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.
Rusty will be missed, he was always welling to help and did a good job while trainmaster in Ark City. Prayers go out to the family
So sorry for your loss praying for friends and family.
So sorry for your loss. Rusty was such a nice, caring person.
Rusty always treated me with kindness and respect at work. He will be missed.
I will always remember Rusty as a dedicated friend, peer and teammate. Working alongside Rusty over the last seven years has been nothing short of an honor. He is truly missed by many and his character live long.
Rusty will be missed by everyone, sorry for your loss of a great guy. Loved working with him at BNSF as a driver. Rest easy now big guy. Prayers for your family.
Prayers to you & all your family & friends. So Sad.
Bud Pankey says
I’m just a yard van driver in Ark City but Rusty was always so nice to me and he will be missed alot. Prayers and Peace be with his family at his loss.
Hazel Ashens
Rusty will be missed by an Ark City Yard Driver and my prayers are with his family God Bless you and my the Lord grant you Peace.
I Have many great memories of Rusty at the saddle club. My prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
I am so sorry to learn of Rusty’s passing. He was always a gentleman. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers go out to his family.
Robert, Sandy, & Sherri,
Thinking about and praying for each of you. So very sorry for your loss. So thankful that Rusty was home when we visited in April. Sorry we couldn’t come now. Raymond & Donna
Rusty cared about his work and was always willing to help others. He will be missed. Prayers for the family!
I am so sorry for your loss. Rusty was a very special person, Friend and Mentor to our Family. 4H horse was a joy in fellowship with all of the Frazer Family. Prayers to you all.
Bruce & Kay Young
Ryan & Danielle Still
Bret & Amber Toews
I always enjoyed Rusty when he came over to Enid. He was fun to have around and easy to talk to. I will miss him.
Even though we were not as close in our adult lives, Rusty will always be a part of many fond memories for me. I spent many Friday nights at the Fraser house in our pre-teen years. Rusty was a great friend and was truly one of the few who cared enough to give you the shirt off his back. God speed, Rusty.