Cody Bushaw, 48, of Arlington passed away Thursday November 12, 2020 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Friday November 20, 2020 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Services will then begin at 12:30 PM. Interment will be in Cass Township Cemetery at Strawberry Point. A memorial fund has been established.
Due to state and federal guidelines on gatherings regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is required. Those in attendance are required to wear a mask.
Cody William Bushaw was born in Manchester on August 23, 1972, the son of Jenny Thoma and Donald Bushaw. He attended Starmont and West Central Schools. Cody was a straight forward guy with a big heart. He was a proud father and grandfather. He was very supportive of his children and would do almost anything for them. Cody called or sent text messages to family members daily. Often it was a "good morning greeting", or perhaps he would give you a bad time in a teasing manner. Those daily contacts are already greatly missed.
Family was important to Cody and he insisted that we all celebrate the holidays together. He often hosted the holiday gatherings. He always decorated for Christmas and enjoyed cooking and sharing the food which was followed by an abundance of gifts that he personally wrapped.
In his younger years he wasn't afraid to try new adventures which ranged from stock car racing to certifying as an emergency medical technician and a short time on the Hazelton Fire Department. Cody was an EMT with the Oelwein Ambulance Service and was a skilled and compassionate care provider. He took great pride in his ability to take care of the sick and injured. While serving he experienced a few tragic calls that touched his life forever. Cody was always willing to help anyone.
For the past twenty years Cody worked for Doug Johnson Farms and developed a real love for farming. He enjoyed doing field work and driving the 'big green' tractors and hauling grain in the semi. Doug was more than Cody's employer, Cody also considered him a great friend.
On his leisure days you might find Cody attending the stock car races in Independence, enjoying a fish fry at the American Legion in Denver or a buffet at a casino, listening to country music at the Clayton County Fair, sharing stories around a campfire while drinking beer and eating smores, or attending a local auction. He was proud when he won "The Taco Eating Contest" at Ma & Pa's and made the local newspaper. Cody was a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the ISU Cyclones and the Chicago Cubs, and enjoyed watching the games with his dog Cooter at his side. Cody was very committed to his family and many friends and will be missed by all.
Cody is survived by his children: Michael Bushaw of Oelwein, Charity (Ashley) Heller of Oelwein, Clayton Bushaw of Oelwein, Harley Bushaw of Oelwein and Austin Bushaw of Sumner; his parents: Jenny (Mike) Thoma of Oelwein and Donald Bushaw (Beverly) of Westgate; his nine grandchildren; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother Dave Bushaw; his grandparents: Robert and Barbara Hertenstein, and Donald Sr. and Ivanelle Bushaw; two grandchildren; his uncle Greg Hertenstein; his aunt Debbie Postel and a cousin Dan Meyer.
