Frank F. Rusche III, 86, of Seneca, KS, died on Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

He was born on December 4, 1922 in Seneca to Frank and Jessie Walters Rusche. He grew up in Seneca and attended Seneca Public Grade School and Seneca High School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army and served his country from 1943 to 1946 in Normandy, northern France and central Europe, earning the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the WWII Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and Four Bronze Service Stars for the service he gave to his country.

After military service, Frank returned to Seneca and on January 1, 1948 became a city electrician’s helper, following the example of his father who also was a city employee. In May 1950 Frank became the Seneca City Electrician, and retired from that position on March 31, 1987. In addition to his electrical duties, Frank also served the City of Seneca part-time for two years as the Zoning Administrator.

Frank was elected onto the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department in December of 1948. He served his community with dedication, holding various fire department offices: Captain of Truck #1 from 1959 through 1961, Captain of Truck #2 in 1974, Fire Police from 1975 through 1982, First Assistant Chief in 1965, Second Assistant Fire Chief in 1979, and as Fire Chief for a total of nine years from 1962 through 1973. He was elected in 1969 to the Kansas State Fire Fighters Association and served 15 years on the Board of Trustees; during this tenure he instructed volunteer firemen across the state of Kansas. Frank retired from the Fire Department in March of 1989, after over 40 years of service.

During his retirement he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, bowling, and attending auctions. He was a charter member of the Seneca Memorial Post #7458 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Earl W. Taylor Post #21 of the American Legion in Seneca for over 60 years.

He is survived by a son, Jerry Rusche, and a daughter, Linda Rusche, both of Seneca.

He was preceded in death by his sister Grace Evelyn Rusche in 1936 and his brother Glen Rusche in 1994.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 24, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Family will meet with friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery, with full military honors by the Seneca American Legion and VFW.

Memorials may be given for the Seneca Fire Department Museum, and sent in care of the family.