Frank F. Rusche III

Frank F. Rusche III, 86, of Seneca passed away on July 22, 2009.
      He was born on December 4, 1922 in Seneca to Frank and Jessie Walters Rusche. He grew up in Seneca and attended Seneca Public Grade School and Seneca High School.  He was inducted into the US Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946 in Normandy, northern France and central Europe, earning the rank of sergeant.  He was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and Four Bronze Service Stars for the service he gave to his country. 
     Frank returned to Seneca and on January 1, 1948 became a city electrician’s helper, following the example of his father who also was a city employee.  In May of 1950 Frank became the Seneca City Electrician, and retired from that position on March 31, 1987.  In addition to his electrical duties, Frank also served the City of Seneca part-time for two years as the Zoning Administrator.
      Frank was elected onto the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department in December of 1948.  He served his community with dedication, holding various fire department offices:  Captain of Truck #1 for 1959 thru 1961, Captain of Truck #2 in 1974, Fire Police from 1975 thru 1982, First Assistant Chief in 1965, Second Assistant Fire Chief in 1979, and as Fire Chief for a total of nine years from1962 thru 1973.  He was elected in 1969 to the Kansas State Fire Fighters Association and served 15 years on the Board of Trustees; during this tenure he instructed volunteer firemen across the state of Kansas. Frank retired from the Fire Department in March of 1989, after over 40 years of service.
      During his retirement he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, bowling, and attending auctions.  He was a charter member of the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion in Seneca for over 60 years.
     He is survived by his son Jerry Rusche and his daughter Linda Rusche, both of Seneca. 
     He was preceded in death by his sister Grace Evelyn Rusche in 1936 and his brother Glen Rusche in 1994.
      Funeral services will be conducted at 2 PM on Friday, July 24, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca; family will meet with friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery, with full military honors by the Seneca American Legion and V.F.W.
      Memorials may be given to the Seneca Fire Department Museum, and sent in care of the family.