Eileen H. (Murphy) Busenbark

Eileen H. (Murphy) Busenbark

April 7, 1950 – February 27, 2025

CHANGE IN SERVICE DATES:

VISITATION: Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, March 7, 2025, 10:30AM at West Center Chapel.

Private Interment.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

______________________________________________________________________

Eileen (Murphy) Busenbark passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of February 27, 2025. She was born April 7, 1950, to Stephen and Dolores Murphy in Omaha, Nebraska.

Eileen lived a rich life abundant with love, laughter and selflessness. As a student at Holy Name Grade School and later, Marian High School, her parents relied upon her maturity and can-do attitude to help care for her siblings while they worked. These experiences laid the foundation for a legacy of caring for others.

It was not all work for young Eileen. She spent long days playing with friends in her Fontenelle Park neighborhood and later around the family’s home on North 65^th Street. It was there that she secured her greatest athletic achievement—beating her track star brother, Dennis, in a footrace. To this day, Eileen still proudly displays artwork in her home commissioned to commemorate that monumental event.

Eileen was also fond of, as she put it, “tripping the light fantastic.” Even in recent weeks she enjoyed reliving all the fun times she had with friends at the Omaha teen nightclubs of the era—she especially enjoyed her trips to Sandy’s and Todd’s.

From her teen dancing days, Eileen’s attention turned in 1967 when she met her soulmate, Jim Busenbark. The couple wed two years later, followed by a honeymoon in picturesque Council Bluffs, Iowa—they were stranded there when a December blizzard scrapped their original plans.

Eileen and Jim welcomed their first son, Brian, to the world in 1971 and moved into a new home in the Maple Village neighborhood of Omaha. Two years later, Kevin would join the fold, followed by Chris in 1978. Eileen was an amazing caregiver for her four boys (including Jim) and created a loving, warm home for the family. She was always her happiest when spending time with her family, be it playing board games, enjoying the yard, shooting baskets in the driveway, and, on one occasion, risking severe injury by gathering baseball-sized hailstones during a July 4^th tornado.

Eileen adored being immersed in nature. She loved soaking up the sun’s rays on her own patio as well as travelling to enjoy distant mountains, forests and beaches. The common denominator for these vacations—as well as her entire life—was family. She visited siblings in Hawaii, California, Arizona and Texas, and drove cross-country several times to see Brian and his family in Connecticut. Among Eileen’s fondest memories were those created on family reunion trips in Estes Park, Colorado. Most recently, she and her family shared an unforgettable summer vacation to western Montana.

Games of chance were irresistible to Eileen. It didn’t matter if it was a scratch-off ticket, a slot machine, a keno card or a football parlay—she was always chasing her next big win. Ever the optimist, Eileen always expected her next play was going to be fruitful. It was reflective of a passionate competitive spirit, whether it was a family Wii bowling tournament or cheering on her beloved Huskers or Bluejays.

More than anything, Eileen had an infectious sense of humor—it was impossible to spend time with her and not laugh. She enjoyed good-natured ribbing and could effortlessly laugh at herself, but don’t be fooled: she could dish it out too. It made for lively family roasts with zingers flying and belly laughs.

If any trait surpassed her sense of humor, it was Eileen’s warm generosity of spirit. She took great interest in her family’s interests and pursuits and was always seeking ways to lend her support—whether that meant clipping an informational news story or helpful coupon…or cheering from the stands at a grandkid’s sporting event or show choir. Eileen loved to welcome friends and family into her home and never stopped toiling to ensure she’d met every need for snacks, desserts and cold drinks. And, of course, plenty of laughs.

Eileen is survived by family and friends who will dearly miss her kind, loving spirit, including husband, Jim; sons: Brian (Megan), Kevin (Daina) and Chris; grandchildren: Eryn, Camryn, Andrew and Kathryn; siblings: Dennis (Barbara) Murphy, Mark (Julie) Murphy and Mary (Rich) Swift. Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Dolores Murphy; her brother, Steve Murphy.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com