RUSSELL — W. “Fritz” Waymaster, 87, died on April 12, 2015, at the Russell Regional Hospital. Born on July 30, 1927, in rural Bunker Hill, he was the son of David J. and Anna E. (Steinle) Waymaster. He grew up in the Bunker Hill area and started school there as well. Later he moved and finished his basic education in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1945.
After high school he joined the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific. After serving his country, he attended the University of Kansas for three years before being called back to active duty with the Navy in 1950 and was deployed to Korea.
After leaving the Navy for the second time, he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Joan F. Janne on May 30, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nev.
In 1952, Fritz and his brother-in-law Carl E. Propp built the Playdium Bowling Alley in Russell. After Carl’s death in 1957, Fritz became the sole owner and operated the bowling alley for 25 years. He was a strong advocate of donating blood and personally gave over 100 pints. He achieved his pilot’s license and bought and flew his Cessna 180 every opportunity he had. He and Joan enjoyed traveling, having visited six continents and over 60 foreign countries including Canada and Mexico as well as traveling all over the United States in their motor home. He also enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, bowling in tournaments and dancing. He was also a huge KU sports fan and loved watching KU football and basketball.
Fritz was a member and past president of the church board at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell as well as serving on many church committees. He was a member and Past All American Commander of the Russell V.F.W. Post No. 6240, V.F.W. Military Honor Guard, Russell Shrine Club, 32nd degree mason with the Masonic Lodge 177 AF & AM, Royal Arch Masons and Council of Great Bend, Commander of Hays, Scottish Rite Bodies of Salina, Past Potentate with the Isis Temple of Salina, National Honor of Caberie, Life Member of William Roe American Legion Post No. 99 since 1946, Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Russell Regional Hospital Trustee and Chairperson, Councilmen from Ward 4 and Russell Elks Lodge.
Surviving family include his wife Joan of the home; and sister Irene Satchell of Evergreen, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Leroy Waymaster; and sisters Pauline Ehrlich, Lydia Steinle, Elsie Cain, Alma Michaelis and Esther Propp.
A celebration of Fritz’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, at the St. John Lutheran Church of Russell with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating. Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell. A Masonic service will follow as well as military rites performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post No. 6240. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the mortuary with family present to greet guests from 6 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Russell V.F.W. or Shriners Hospital for Children and sent in care of the mortuary. A reception will be held at the St. John Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the graveside service.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell*
610 N. Maple
Russell, KS 67665
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 15, 2015
