Frank E. Mussemann, 100, of Hays, Kansas, and formerly of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital in WaKeeney.
He was born on December 7, 1924, in WaKeeney to Gerhard and Bessie (Krhut) Mussemann. Frank grew up in WaKeeney and on his 17th birthday in 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor marked the beginning of World War II. Answering the call to serve, he enlisted in the United States Navy upon graduation. Frank trained as a pilot in Texas and continued his training in California, where he learned to land aircraft on carriers. When flying near home, he would often circle the family farm as a signal to his mother that he was safe. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to WaKeeney and joined his father in farming, raising cattle and growing a variety of crops.
On November 23, 1948, Frank married Nathalie E. Zeman in WaKeeney. Together they made their home and raised four children: Dennis, Christine, Sharla, and Julie.
Frank was a dedicated member of his community and church. He served as a longtime council member and treasurer of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, was an 80-year member of the American Legion Post #197, served on the WaKeeney Coop Board of Directors, and was a WaKeeney Township Trustee. He enjoyed many years as a member of Big Creek Golf Course where he enjoyed many hours on the greens.
A true outdoorsman, Frank especially loved elk hunting trips in the Colorado mountains, where he would ride horseback and camp in tents for a true backcountry experience. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, camping, and golfing, and found great joy in being active and outdoors.
Frank is survived by his children: Dennis (Lori) Mussemann of Wamego, KS, Christine (Gregory) Trogstad of WaKeeney, Sharla (David) Albers of Brownell, KS, and Julie Mussemann of Kapolei, HI; brother, Glenn (Carol) Mussemann of Carriere, MS; five grandchildren: Taylor (Melinda) Trogstad of Salina, KS, Bethany Trogstad of Prairie Village, KS, Seth (Jami) Albers of Voda, KS, Silas (Megan) Albers of Ransom, KS, and Hannah (Josh) Enslow of Hays, KS; and eleven great-grandchildren: Crew Trogstad, Nelson Murdock, Maura, Thaddeous and Lennox Albers; Zaddok, Everly, and Ensley Albers; Bryson, Hattie, and Joelle Enslow. He is remembered fondly by many special nieces, nephews, and his good friends at Brookdale.
He preceded in death by his parents, Gerhard and Bessie; wife, Nathalie; infant son, Charles; infant siblings, Elsie and Dale; sisters, Margaret Papes, Agnes Stradal, and Josephine Ziegler; son-in-law, Don Holden; and infant great-grandson, Maddox Albers.
Frank’s long life was one of service, strength, and quiet devotion to his family, community, and country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:30AM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Wednesday 9:30-10:30AM at the Church.
Memorials are suggested to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.