Mike was born on May 12, 1948, to Claire and Willis (Bjornson) Busse in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Cavalier and attended Cavalier High School, graduating in 1966. He then attended Mayville State University before joining the Navy in November of 1969. He served on the USS Norton Sound until 1973. On October 24, 1980, he married Linda Scott. Together they raised two children, Jackie and Ian.
Mike worked various jobs throughout the years and worked for the Pembina County Highway Department until his retirement. He enjoyed bartending at The Office Bar and the Cavalier Country Club after his retirement, where he could always be found with a quick smile and his signature laugh.
Mike enjoyed all things outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, golfing and riding his Harley, but throughout his life, music was his passion. He played in several area bands including The Mau Mau, The Midnight Disturbance, The Westernaires, Rhythm Masters, Rockin' Horse, Slim Pickens and Straight Shot. Wherever he went, whatever he was doing there was always music playing.
Surviving Mike are his wife Linda; children, Jackie (Derek) and Ian (Faith); grandchildren, Charlize, Ericka and Mason; siblings, Dale (Elizabeth) and Jule (Frank); uncle, Lawrence (Doris), his dog Bear, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.