Gary Eugene Anschutz, 78, of Galatia, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Gary was born June 13, 1940 in Hays, the son of Jacob and Lorraine (Trapp) Anschutz.  He grew up in Paradise, Kansas and graduated from Luray High School
Gary served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1968.  He served on the USS Compton and the USS Arcadia.  He was also stationed at Imperial Beach, California and Newport, Rhode Island.  After his tour of duty was completed he returned to Hays to attend college.  He then married Peggy Osthoff, rural Athol, Kansas, had two children, John and Judy, and lived in rural Paradise and Gorham.  Then from 1995 to 2000 he lived in Rocky Ford, Colorado.  From 2000 to 2007 he lived in Great Bend, Kansas and from 2007 on he lived in Galatia.

Gary was a teacher and coach in Paradise, Osborne Jr. High, Rocky Ford, Colorado, and Great Bend Middle School.  He taught History, Social Science, and English as a Second Language.  He also was a Rancher, Noxious Weed Supervisor, and Emergency Management Coordinator.  He had a great love for working with horses and cattle.  He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend, Kansas.  He was a member of the Russell V.F.W. #6240 and the American Legion Post 0509.  He was active in the Russell Masonic Lodge, ISIS Shrine, Scottish Rite, ISIS Gridiron Club, Santa Fe Trail Association and the Ft. Larned Old Guard.  During his free time he enjoyed live music, hunting, fishing, sport shooting, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Gary’s surviving family include his daughter, Judy Robbins (Isaiah) of Gorham, Kansas; son, John Anschutz (Becky) of Russell, Kansas; sisters, Dianna Wise of Belveu, Washington and Rebecca Keil of Galatia, Kansas; and seven grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.

A Gathering Service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Military Rites will be conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard.  Memorials have been established with the ISIS Shrine and the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.