Francis "Frank" Fredrick Busta

Francis Fredrick Busta, an internationally known food safety expert, died at his home, surrounded by his family, on January 24, 2026 after a valiant struggle with congestive heart failure. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly, (1996), his half-sister, Henrietta, and his parents, Frank and Meta Busta from Montgomery, MN. Frank is survived by his wife, Jean Kinsey, two daughters, Erica (Mark) and Suzanne, and three granddaughters, Delaney, Kendall and Bryn. He loved his girls and was so very proud of their successes.

Frank was Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota (UM), Department of Food Science and Nutrition and Director Emeritus, the National Center for Food Protection and Defense. He worked his way through the UM by working summers on the cost crew at Green Giant, Inc. in Montgomery, MN, graduated with a B.A. (1957) and a M.S. (1961). His Ph.D. in Food Science with an emphasis on microbiology from the University of Illinois (1963) launched his illustrious academic career in research, teaching and professional leadership.

His academic career took him to North Carolina State University – Raleigh, the University of Florida and the UM where he was Professor and Head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. His scientific knowledge coupled with his sense of practical application related to food safety and sanitation kept him in high demand by numerous food companies as well as several governmental task forces and regulatory agencies. He taught and consulted in more than 36 countries. A most consequential contribution to the world of food safety was Frank’s fifteen years of service on the International Commission on the Microbiological Specifications for Food (ICMSF) where he contributed to internationally recognized protocols and practices for the production of safe food. Frank considered his life’s work important for the health and safety of the food supply chain and the health and safety of all people. His curious nature, integrity, friendly demeaner and genuine appreciation for other’s work kept his generous advice in high demand.

He was especially proud of his graduate students who went on to become stellar scholars and leaders in food safety research, education and industry.

Having retired in 1999 from the UM he was recruited back to establish and direct the (then) National Center for Food Protection and Defense. Coordinating research with more than 30 Universities, several food companies and government agencies he was proud of being on a team that raised awareness and protection against deliberate contamination of food by terrorists.

Frank’s dedication to his faith started as a teenage janitor and Luther League leader at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montgomery, MN. He treasured the fellowship and activities at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Roseville where one of his favorite activities was ushering and greeting fellow worshipers.

Retiring finally in 2014, he and his wife, Jean Kinsey, continued to travel and photograph various wonders of the world. In 2023 they moved into senior living apartments in Minneapolis (Pillars of Prospect Park). In his later years when his passion for travel was curtailed by mobility issues, he continued his philanthropy, his contact with colleagues, community and family. He relished interaction with his caregivers and charmed many with the twinkle in his eyes, his big smile and sincere curiosity. In his last year he said repeatedly, “I am doing everything I can to live, but I am prepared to die. I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

A visitation will be held February 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Roseville Memorial Chapel, 2245 Hamline Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113. A memorial service will be held February 28 at 11:00 a.m. with an hour visitation in advance and lunch to follow at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 1660 W. County Road B, Roseville, MN 55113. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you contribute to the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) specifying the Beverly A. Busta Memorial Scholarship Fund (Fund # 4243) or a charity of your choice. You can give online [z.umn.edu/Busta] or by mail to University of Minnesota Foundation - Busta Scholarship #4243, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.

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