Wayne Rutschman

Wayne Rutschman, 89 of Palm Coast, FL passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, at Stuart Meyer Hospice House with his daughter by his side.
Wayne was born December 14,1934, in Newton, KS to Harry and Emma (Neufeld) Rutschman and lived most of his life in Hesston and Moundridge.
Wayne was a US Air Force veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict as an aircraft mechanic working on B36 and B52's. He was honored as Outstanding Airman for 6 consecutive months. Always a gentleman, his signature everyday look was a button-down shirt in a shade of blue paired with a favorite cap.
Wayne learned to work hard on the family farm, owned and operated Rutschman Standard and West Way Service Mufflers in Hesston in the early 1970's and worked for Williams Natural Gas Co as an operating engineer from 1976 until his retirement in 1997.
Wayne loved an adventure, a good cup of black coffee and chocolate ice cream at any time of day.
He is survived by his daughter, Valancy (Steve) of Eliot, ME and Palm Coast, FL, sister-in-law, Naomi of Hesston, grandchildren Kyle, Kaitlyn, Chris, and Cameron and 3 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind lifelong friends Paul (Marilyn) Griffitt of Warsaw, MO and Jeff (Michiko) Hazen of Beaverton, OR. He was preceded in death by sons Scott and Alan, grandson Cory, siblings Orville and Marge and nephew, Kent.
A special thank-you to Bonnie, Amber, Paige, Faith, Justin, Donna, and their families for your loving care of Wayne during his last 3 years in Moundridge.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 3pm at Garden Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, Box 3000, Hesston,KS where Wayne loved to walk and did volunteer mowing for many years.