Norman George Anschutz

Norman George Anschutz, 86, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Via Christi Saint Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Norman was born on October 15, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, the son of Louis and Vivian (Thielen) Anschutz. He grew up in Dorrance, Kansas, and graduated from Dorrance High School in the class of 1958. He attended Kansas State University, graduating with an Architecture degree in 1963, and spending most of his early professional career with Shaver & Company in Salina, Kansas. During a temporary project assignment in California, he met and fell in love with Barbara Jean Dito. The couple was united in marriage on May 31, 1969, in San Francisco, California. Norman and Barbara began their new life together in San Jose, California and were blessed with two children: Cheryl and Michael. In 1976, the family moved back to Kansas, making their home in Russell. Norman worked part-time as an architect while maintaining the family farm he had dearly missed while in California. Though having moved away, Norman ensured the family traveled back to San Francisco frequently to stay connected to Barbara’s Italian family, while enjoying the amazing food and taking in all the sights and traditions. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Norman was a dedicated member of the Russell COOP coffee group where he enjoyed spending his morning visiting with friends. Norm and Barb loved traveling to Colorado, and other scenic locations as he loved the outdoors. A tender heart for animals, Norman found great joy caring for the farm cats and the many dogs in his life over the years. He was also an avid collector of scale model John Deere equipment and Model T Cars, and a lifelong history buff. After discovering the wonders of the iPad, he would spend countless hours learning everything he could about history and listening to his beloved music. Most of all, Norman enjoyed spending time working the family farm with his son, and spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving family include wife of 56 years, Barbara Anschutz of the home, daughter, Cheryl T. Brock (Travis) of Wichita, Kansas and son Michael N. Anschutz (Mendi) of Hays, Kansas; sisters Ellen Spaulding (Mark) of Andover, Kansas and Eileen Keenan (Dennis) of Overland Park, Kansas; and grandchildren Hannah, Leah, Luke, Jared, Shelby, and Easton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Joyce Cobb-Barker.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday, November 24, 2025, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday November 24 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church. A memorial has been established with Russell Senior Center. Memorial contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who will oversee these arrangements.