Fr. John J. Bussmann

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Died: 09/3/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Name sometimes spelled “Bussman.” The Archdiocese announced in 8/2016 that there were sexual abuse allegations of a minor against Bussman from when he was “still in ministry” in the 1980s. He had been on leave since 2003. Per his obituary there were “red flag warnings” during seminary. Further, he was sent to the Paracletes in NM for “spiritual renewal” during his second assignment. He was not in active ministry 1985-1998, working during that time as a surveyor of nursing and funeral homes. In 1998 Bussmann was assigned as pastor of two parishes which merged in 2001. In 3/2003 he was criminally charged with felony theft, indecent exposure and sexual activity while counseling parishioners. He was convicted in 2005 and sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 10 years’ probation. He was also required to register as a sex offender. Bussmann was found dead near his houseboat 9/3/2021.


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