May 12, 1975 – November 4, 2025
Cary Buss, 50 of Algona, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at her home in Algona. A Celebration of Life for Cary will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Water’s Edge Nature Center at Smith Lake in Algona. This will be an afternoon to share memories, laugh about the good times, and honor Cary’s wonderful sense of humor and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Come as you are and stay as long as you’d like — everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to remembering Cary together and celebrating the beautiful life she lived. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Algona. Online condolences may be left at http://www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Cary Lee Buss, the daughter of Charles Buss and Janice Strayer, was born on May 12, 1975, in Britt, Iowa. She attended school in Garner and Algona, graduating from Algona High School. Cary furthered her education by enrolling in La’James Cosmetology School in Mason City. During Cary’s lifetime, she worked as a cosmetologist, bartender, daycare provider and most recently as a Para educator at Bryant Elementary School in Algona and Casey’s as a cashier.
Cary loved crafting and camping, treasured every moment with her grandchildren and family, cherished time spent with friends, and had a generous heart—always ready to help and to listen to anyone who needed her.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Lacy Wait of Britt, Dakota Wait of Graettinger and Dylon (Rachel) Wait of Algona; grandchildren: Rozlynn, Ryatt, Braxston, Matthew, Kinsley, Braelynn, Oaklynn, Maliah, Clara, Gemma, and Serena; mother: Janice Hartman of Milford; siblings: Janet Strayer of Milford, Jeannie Buss of Milford, Doug Buss of Bradgate and Lisa Nelson of Dakota City; Other family: Luke Williams of Algona; and Rayden, Gracelyn, Kamdyn, Brynleigh, Harley, Cooper, Emrie, Ella, Kane and Karson. She was preceded in death by her father: Charles Buss; stepfather: Merle Hartman and grandparents: John and Faye Strayer and Otty and Norma Buss; nephews: Matthew Strayer and Alex Nelson; aunt: Dort Sandal and Godfather: Gary Sandal.
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