Francis W. Blaufuss

Francis W. Blaufuss, age 89, of Westphalia, Kansas, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2011 at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri, following complications from a stroke. Francis was born on February 10, 1921, at Westphalia, Kansas, the son of Ewald Henry and Anna (Hageman) Blaufuss. His mother passed away at his birth. Following the death of his mother, Ewald married Anna's sister, Rose Hageman. Francis attended grade school at St. Theresa in Westphalia. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. Francis served in Europe during World War II, seeing action in the Battle of the Bulge and at the invasion of Normandy. He was united in marriage to Josephine Lauer on November 4, 1948, at St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Westphalia, Kansas. This union was blessed with six children. Francis has lived on his farm since 1948. He took pride in his herd of Hereford cattle. Francis believed that Oliver tractors were the only brand worth owning. Francis remained active on the farm until his stroke on December 31, 2010. The day before his stroke Francis had spent the day enjoying one of his hobbies, cutting wood. Francis was a lifetime member of St. Teresa Catholic church. He was also a member of The American Trapshooters Association, National Rifle association, The Garnett V.F.W. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus during the 1960's and 70's. In the winter he enjoyed traveling to Phoenix, Arizona for trapshooting. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Josephine Blaufuss on May 22, 1988; and one brother, Leo Blaufuss. Francis is survived by four sons, Jim Blaufuss and wife Darlene of Richmond, Kansas; Tom Blaufuss and wife Becky of Westphalia; Bob Blaufuss and wife Janet of Garnett, Kansas; David Blaufuss of Westphalia; two daughters, Kathie Baldwin and husband Ken of Lawrence, Kansas; Elizabeth Marmon and husband John of Topeka, Kansas; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one sister, Mary Frank and husband George of Westphalia; two brothers, Father Tony Blaufuss of Garnett and John Blaufuss and wife Marilyn of Westphalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Westphalia, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Teresa Cemetery in Westphalia. Family will greet friends following a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at St. Teresa Church in Westphalia. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart Foundation www.ihfmary.org and left in care of the funeral home.