John Allen Anschutz, 67, of Topeka, Kansas and former Russell resident, died on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at the Stormont-Vale Health Care Center in Topeka.

John was born on June 20, 1947 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Harold W. and Helen E. (Bender) Anschutz.  He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1965.  After high school he attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Ag Engineering.  He joined the U.S. Army in 1969 and fought during the Vietnam War.  He worked for Kansas State Extension Engineering for several years.  Later he became a Rates Engineer for Kansas Power and Light and worked there 15 years before retiring.  He was a member of the Topeka American Legion and a lifetime member of the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.  He enjoyed playing the guitar, tinkering in his workshop and brewing his own beer.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed attending the Heartland Park Drag Races and attending the Walnut River Festival in Winfield, Kansas.  Most of all he enjoyed Kansas State University sports, especially KSU Football.

John is survived by his brothers Don Anschutz and wife Marlene of Russell, Jim Anschutz and wife Mary Ann from Midland, Michigan and Wayne Anschutz and wife Betty of Hoover Alabama. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service to honor John’s life and service to his country will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, August 29, 2014, at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis Officiating.  Burial will follow the graveside service.  Military rites will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard.  Condolences may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.