Donald (Mert) Anschutz (1934-2026)
Donald (Mert) Anschutz, 91, of Wilson, Kan., passed away on April 7, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society — Ellsworth Village in Ellsworth, Kan.
Don was born April 29, 1934, at home on the farm south of Wilson to Elmer H. and Anna M. (Maixner) Anschutz. He grew up on the farm and attended Ziska School, a one-room country schoolhouse. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1953, where he was active in band, track and football.
On Oct. 8, 1956, Don married Loyola Peterka in Greenville, Miss. They later renewed their vows at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina, Kan., and shared 69 years of marriage.
Don served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958, including one year stationed in Germany. He spent his life farming and ranching, raising crops, cattle and hogs. He especially loved plowing the soil under and, for many years, used a three-bottom Moline plow pulled by a Minneapolis-Moline tractor. Don also enjoyed showing cattle with his family at shows and fairs, where their careful attention and hard work earned many awards.
In addition to farming and ranching, Don held several roles throughout his life. He worked as a night guard at the missile base east of Wilson and worked for the City of Russell. He co-owned A & Z Propane Company and, with his father, co-owned Anschutz Implement Company in Wilson for many years, where they sold Minneapolis-Moline tractors and equipment. He also served as a supervisor for the El-Kan and Essex companies and worked as a rural mail carrier around Wilson and Dorrance for 18 years.
Don cherished time spent with family and friends, enjoyed playing cards and was an avid KU sports fan. He took great joy in planning and hosting Anschutz family reunions. Don and Loy loved taking weekly ag tours throughout the countryside around Wilson. Known for his willingness to lend a hand, Don was an active volunteer with the Wilson 4-H Club, including helping build floats for the Wilson Czech Festival parade.
Survivors include wife Loy and son Merlin, of the home; sister Geraldine (Gerry) Criswell, Wichita; sister-in-law Gerry Anschutz, Louisville, Colo.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Michael; brothers Richard and Loren; and sister-in-law Gerri Hull.
A funeral service will be held Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home in Wilson. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery, Wilson. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 12, from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Wilson Winners 4-H Club or Wilson American Legion Post 262 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 610 24th St., P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.