in memoriam

expanded eulogies

Douglas Stutzman

Douglas K. Stutzman, 80, of Hesston, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020, at Schowalter Villa. He was born June 26, 1939 in Newton, Kansas, the son of Clifford and Lillian (Wenger) Stutzman.

Doug lived in Peabody when he was younger, moving to Hesston in the mid-1950s. He graduated in 1957 from Hesston Academy, and farmed until 1962 in Peabody.

Doug then worked at Excel Industries in Hesston two different times during his career, 1963 to 1971, and 1987 to 2004.  He held various positions, including engineering assistant, shop superintendent, and sales/service manager, before retiring in 2004. He served on the Excel board from 1963 to 2012.

He worked at GT Sales & Manufacturing from 1972-1987. Doug attended Catlin Mennonite Church in Peabody as a child, and was a longtime member of Hesston Mennonite Church.

Douglas was united in marriage to Barbara Kathryn Vogt on Sept. 27, 1957, in Halstead. She preceded him in death in 2004. He later married Phyllis May King Kauffman on April 15, 2006. She preceded him in death in 2018.

Douglas is also preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by sons David (Sharon) Stutzman of Hesston, and Steven (Anita Miller) Stutzman of Denver; daughter, Kathryn (Steven) Ropp of Iowa City; brothers Don (Elnor) Stutzman of Hesston, and Duane Stutzman of Olathe; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; stepsons David (Lynda) Kauffman and Douglas Kauffman, all of Hesston, and two step-granddaughters.

Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, 177 W. Hickory St. in Hesston. Family will meet with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hesston Mennonite Church, 309 S. Main St.

Memorial contributions can be made to Schowalter Villa Good Samaritan Fund in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.