OREGON — Frederic (Fred) Ransom Bushnell, Jr., 93, died at Shepherd Premier Senior Living in Oregon, Illinois on December 14, 2023. Born in Joliet, Illinois on November 19, 1930 to Frederic R. and Ione Elizabeth (Steigle) Bushnell, Fred grew up in Rochelle, Illinois, graduated from Flagg Township High School and attended Iowa State University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. An animal science major in the College of Agriculture, Fred graduated with honors in 1952. He married Mary Margaret (Meg) Bock in Garner, Iowa on January 17, 1953.
Fred and Meg moved to Stillman Valley and began farming in 1955, raised four sons, and started a family farm named for Walnut Creek that runs through land they farmed. He was an early adopter of soil conservation through reduced tillage, which continues to this day through the farming practices of his sons Cade and Ned, and his grandson Ross. Fred also served as a volunteer with the USAID program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture where he traveled to share best practices with farmers in Russia and the Philippines.
As Fred shifted into retirement, he and Meg spent more of their time wintering at their home in Fort Myers Beach, FL, where he returned to an earlier passion in his life and resumed painting in watercolors. Fred painted with various artists in Florida and Illinois and continued his study of art with travel in both the U.S. and Europe. He was also a member of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and participated in various art shows where his artwork gained recognition.
Fred is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Ione, his sister Georgia Collins (Jud), and his brother Malcolm. Fred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Meg, his sons; Frederick/Rick (Clarence) of Pasadena, CA, John (Christine) of Helena, MT, Cade (Mari Lyn) of Stillman Valley, IL, and Edwin/Ned (Lyrah) of Stillman Valley, IL, and five grandchildren; Grace (Andrew Smith), Ross, Thomas (Claire), Benjamin, and Matthew. Fred lived out his final days with Meg by his side, and the family is grateful to Shepherd Premier Senior Living and Serenity Hospice & Home for the loving care they showed to him during his final days. The family plans to celebrate Fred’s life at a later time.
