Russel W. “Rusty” Fraser

Russel W. “Rusty” Fraser 43, died Friday, September 20, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas following a very brief illness.

He was born July 1, 1976 in Newton, Kansas to Robert and Sandy (Schmidt) Fraser. Rusty grew up on a farm near Hesston, Kansas and was a 1994 graduate of Hesston High School.  He attended both Kansas State University and Hutchinson Community College.  Rusty was Trainmaster for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and worked out of Arkansas City, Kansas.  Rusty earned his Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts and was an active member of the Harvey County 4-H where he had many project including Horses, Beef and Geology among others. He has a lifelong love of horses and special bond with his favorite horse Cricket. 

Rusty was known by his family and friends for his gentle spirit and quiet deliberate way he carried himself.  He was respected by his coworkers and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. 

He is survived by his parents Robert and Sandy Fraser of Hesston; sister Shari Fraser of Hutchinson; Uncle and Aunt Douglas and Susan Schmidt of Hutchinson; cousin Shauna Burdick of Hutchinson; He is also survived by his Great Aunt and her family Judy Box of Newton.

Rusty is preceded in death by his grandparents; Cousins Chris Schmidt and Mark Ellis Uncle Keith and Aunt Carol Ellis

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday September 25, 2019 at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with presiding minister Ruby Graber presiding.  Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday evening at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Harvey County 4-H in care of Petersen Funeral Home.