Adolphus A. Busch, IV, a dedicated conservationist, true adventurer, and deeply loving father and grandfather, passed away on May 30th, 2026 at his beloved home in St. Charles, MO at the age of 72.
Born on July 17, 1953 in St. Louis, Adolphus was the oldest of seven children born to August (Gussie) A. Busch, Jr. and Gertrude (Trudy) B. Busch. He lived a life that was defined by his boundless passion for the great outdoors, on both land and sea. He was a man who felt most at home under the open sky, whether casting a line into calm waters, sitting quietly in the duck blind, or spending hours in a tractor planting a field. As a passionate conservationist, he dedicated much of his time and energy to preserving the Missouri wetlands through his work with Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, ensuring that the natural beauty and wildlife he so dearly loved would be protected for generations to come.
His thirst for adventure knew no bounds. He was an avid scuba diver who loved the mystery, the beauty, and the thrill of the ocean. Over the years spent in the Florida Keys, he clocked almost as many hours under water, preserving the reefs and ridding them of invasive lionfish, as he did above water on his boat. He was an experienced hunter, patient fisherman, and a fearless whitewater rafter who welcomed the rush of the rapids. On land, his love for animals and “need for speed” came together on the polo field, a sport he passionately played & sponsored for 20+ years. A true master of many trades, there wasn’t a horse—or a stubborn mule—that he couldn’t ride, a boat he couldn’t dock, or a rapid he couldn’t paddle (or swim) through.
Of all the places his adventures took him, his most favorite was his home, Belleau Farm. It was his true sanctuary, a place where he could connect with nature, find peace, and share his love for the land and its creatures with those he cherished most.
Yet, for all his achievements and passions, nothing held a candle to the love he had for his family. Adolphus was a fiercely proud and loving father and grandfather. He passed down his grit, his passion for preserving this planet, and his appreciation for life’s wild moments to his children and grandchildren, who were the absolute joys of his life.
He is survived by his beloved children, Katie Busch Geise (Erich Geise), Allie Busch (Mike Jean) and Adolphus A. Busch, V; his cherished grandchildren, Colton, Eloise, Addison and Lane; the mother of his children, Ann Stryker Busch; his siblings Beatrice Busch von Gontard, Peter W. Busch, Trudy Busch Valentine, William K. Busch and Andy D. Busch, along with their families; and a lifetime of friends, teammates, and outdoor enthusiasts who will miss his quietly magnetic presence. He was preceded in death by his parents, August A. Busch, Jr. and Gertrude (Trudy) B. Busch, and his beloved sister, Christina Martina Busch.
The family is holding a private reception to honor and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (3850 Highway B, St. Charles, MO 63301), continuing his lifelong mission to protect the wild places he loved so much. Arrangements by KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL.
Adolphus – You were in every sense of the word a true friend and supporter to so many, even those you just met. We loved having your friendship for so many years, and will never forget you. You will be forever missed. Be at peace!
Your Friends Paul & Susan – Marathon
To your family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your Brother, Father, and Grandfather was an amazing human being! Once of a Kind! No one will ever come near to who he was. An amazing Man!
Adolphus- you were and always will be a special person in our lives, you were a great friend to my Rick at the Marathon Marina fuel dock and have a special place in our hearts- you will be very much missed. ❤️ Love Rick & LeeAnn
I am heart broken to hear the news that God has taken you back to his house Adolphus. I will never forget the greatest opportunities to dive with you and become a sea captain myself
Gone too soon
I am saddened by your passing. I met you at Skipjack Resort and Marina this season and you were our best tenant. Full of class and life. May god rest your soul.
Scott
GM
Through a dear friend of ours, Amber, we met AB on several occasions. My fondest memory was when we had our Grandsons down to the Keys. AB and Amber took time to take us all out on his boat and let the kids snorkel and they had a great time. When we got back to AB’s condo he instructed our Grands on how to scuba and let them, for their very first time, scuba in the pool. Special memories. From dinners to racing the Key West Ferry… You will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mindy and Jack
So many people knew Adolphus in so many different ways. For me he was my dearest friend, the friend that I looked up to, the friend that was always in my corner, no matter what. Adolphus was kind in a way most people aren’t and he was driven by a deep sense of self.
He was my oldest friend, 55 years and he will be missed beyond explanation.
I didn’t just lose by buddy, the world lost an irreplaceable human.
For Everything……… Thank you. An absolute wonderful person. May you rest in eternal peace Adolphus.
Adolphus,
It was good to see you again, to talk about harvesting/eating lion fish, about fishing and about Saint Louis polo and Saint Louis schools. I was 2 years ahead of you at Priory (‘69). My oldest grandson, Henry, just graduated from there on 5/17/2026. He was awarded several prizes, including the Best Athlete award. Your wife Ann (VD’72) was 3 years younger than my wife Weezie (VD’69) and your sister Trudy (VD’76) was 7 years younger. Your main boat, Marquesa IV, the Leopard Powercat 51, was berthed directly in front of our condo at Skipjack Resort and Marina the week of 2/7-14/2026.
Your family has achieved tremendous recognition brewing and distributing the best beer in the world! My college friends came to Saint Louis to tour the Brewery. My mom’s (CH’36) Conrad family at one time was the largest hard liquor distributor in Missouri.
From one outdoorsman/conservationist to another, it seems to me that you have done much good in this life. We are having masses and prayers said for you.
Meant to call at you after a while, but you cannot answer anymore.
Hope to see you again with Jesus in heaven someday.
John S. Kennedy, Priory’69
Sorry for your loss Katie, Allie and Adolphus.
To the Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss
Adolphus, I’m so grateful to have had such an amazing friend in my life..so many memories of all the fun adventures we’ve had. I Love You and you will be Forever Missed..Rest in Peace 🕊️💖
To The Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss
AB you will be missed by so many people. You were so kind, loving, funny, and giving to so many people you loved. I will never forget all of our adventures and great conversations. My prayers go out to the family during this difficult time.. God bless you all. I will always love you My King……
Queen
Blue waters always – it was a pleasure to see you when you’d come to the keys.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you RIP, Adolphus.
Love and Prayers to the entire Busch Family. Sorry for your loss.
My Grandfather owned Sparky’s Tavern on Gravois Rd./Grey Eagle
I cherish the pictures of my grandparents on top of the Clydesdale beer wagon in front of their establishment on Gravois Rd in the 1950’s
May God Bless You and We Appreciate You Being Part of Our Community.
Lynn LeBaube
Sending the warmest thoughts and prayers to the entire Busch family and everyone whose lives Adolphus touched.
Buddy,youwillbemissed,wewillkeepaneyeondebandthefsmilyforyouespecially,when it’s sunny.
Goon
Captain Tim Carlile and myself, Judy Kemp, want to extend our deepest sympathy to the Busch family. Captain Carlile has known Adolphus for over thirty (30) years, and I have had the pleasure to know Adolphus for four (4) years. Adolphus was our friend and we truly loved him. He had such a gift. Adolphus did a video introduction for Captain Carlile when he was receiving a huge BTT Award, yet Adolphus was unable to be there. When the video introduction for Captain Carlile started, there was Adolphus on the screen in the Cheeca Lodge Convention Center. As Adolphus started to speak, we saw and heard his Greatness. Adolphus was honoring his friend, whom he had fished with countless times over the years. You could see the special friendship and love which both Adolphus and Tim shared. Even though the room was full and dessert had been served, everyone stopped talking and eating to watch Adolphus speak. Even though, Adolphus was at sea, he was in that room. He was magnificent. He spoke with no notes, extemporaneously, about his friend. Adolphus had that commanding presence. He was brilliant, kind, loyal and was a true friend who spoke to honor his friend, Captain Tim Carlile. We know Adolphus is gone from us, AND this time we will honor him, love him, and remember many of those special times we shared together. We will try to think about him, as though he has just set sail again, and we will see him again. “Grief like the ocean, comes in waves only to recede and come yet again. But with it comes healing. Memories wash ashore and are bathed by the golden sun. ” Tim and I will hold those memories and let them fill the emptiness. We know we were honored to know and be in the presence of Adolphus. May God hold you tightly now and may you be at peace.
On behalf of my family, I send my condolences to Coach Allie and her family. Prayers to your family and your dad’s friends.