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.