Francis R. Nutsch

Francis Raymond Nutsch, 84, died Sunday, September 2, 2012 at the Homestead Nursing Home, Washington. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 6, at the United Methodist Church, Washington. Rev. Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Sheila Ouellette played the organ while Clare Bokelman sang "The Lord's Prayer." The pallbearers were Brian Nutsch, Les Gauby, Vernon Tegethoff, Charles Zabokrtsky, Ron Montague, Jason Else and Brandon Poser. The honorary pallbearers were Larry Lohrengel, Ric Johnson, Charlie Foster, Lee Gauby, John Walker and Norman Stewart. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Francis was born December 21, 1927 at Morrowville, KS, son of Albert and Gertrude (Krischke) Nutsch. He graduated from Morrowville High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a switchboard operator while stationed in Japan. After his honorable discharge, he returned and married Shirley E. Lull on December 28, 1947. On June 16, 1993 she preceded him in death. On April 15, 1995, he married Loretta (Kohlmeier) Rogge. Francis farmed north of Morrowville until 1954, when he moved to farm south of Washington. In high school he was FFA Farmer of the Year. He also managed farms, was a crop insurance adjuster, and helped at Ward Funeral Home. Francis helped in getting the new high school bond passed, was a mentor to young people, worked with 4H youth and was generous with his time. He was an avid reader and enjoyed dancing with his wife. Francis was a member of the Rotary Club, Masons, American Legion and the United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; brother, Ed Nutsch; and a step-grandson. Survivors include his wife Loretta; daughters, Nyla (Clyde) Poser, Buckley, WA, Donna (Gregory) Lamont, Pueblo, CO, and Teri (Tom) Mader, Anchorage, AK; step-children, Roy (Robin) Rogge, San Diego, CA, Mike (Deb) Rogge, Linn, KS, Mary (Robby) Oelschlager, Palmer, KS, Lori (Leland) Cook, Washington, KS, and Robert (Sheila) Rogge, St. George, KS; two brothers, Harold (Winifred) Nutsch, Morrowville, KS, and Charles (Arlyss) Nutsch, Olathe, KS; sister, Helen Oliver, Clay Center, KS; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; twelve step-grandchildren; and one great-step-grandchild. A memorial fund has been established to KSDS or Meadowlark Hospice. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis R. Nutsch, please visit our flower store.