Dwaine J Reusser

Dwaine J. Reusser 98, died October 7, 2026. He was born April 25, 1928, in Newton Kansas, the son of Abraham and Mabel (Schlender) Reusser. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at the Walton Mennonite Church and was later confirmed into Zion Lutheran Church in Newton where he was an active member his entire life, including holding several leadership positions over the years. Dwaine was a man of strong faith, which was a guiding part of his life, and he imparted it lovingly to his family and many of the people he met.

After growing up on farms around Newton and Walton, he graduated from Walton High School in 1946 and on November 18, 1950, he married the love of his life, Della Mae Karter at Zion, and they enjoyed over 68 years of marriage before her passing in 2019.

After a two-year stint in the army that took the couple to Camp Gordon near Augusta, Georgia they returned to the Newton area to begin their family life. During his Army stint, Dwaine would give haircuts to other soldiers and apparently had a talent for it as after his honorable discharge he decided to attend Tulsa Barber College and graduated in 1954. He then started a successful career that would last over 43 years, beginning in a shop he shared with other barbers and subsequently purchased in Newton’s Del Monte hotel building and later moved just down the block on 5th street. During that span he was always noted by his patrons for his good haircuts, positive outlook and friendly demeanor. He formed many friendships and always loved to listen to, or tell, stories about sports, current events or shared memories.

During his life Dwaine was always active and had many interests:

-He and Della learned square and round dancing while in their forties, joining the Circle 8 club in Newton where they made lifelong friendships and memories.

-Dwaine enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and was always finding projects to improve the home and yard at the family home on East Fourth street where they resided for over 60 years.

-Dwaine enjoyed coaching his children’s youth sports teams and also enjoyed attending and watching sports of all types, especially the Kansas Jayhawks.

-After retirement he and Della enjoyed traveling, going on several cruises, bus tours and car trips across the country. He enjoyed being with friends and new acquaintances he met along the way, always having fun and a laugh. He was always curious and would often observe details about landmarks or structures and wonder “How did they do that?”. Even in his later years and his health deteriorated, he stayed cheerful and would always greet visitors with a smile.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Della Mae, 3 brothers, 3 sisters and one grandchild Joel Widdel.

He is survived by 4 children, Vickie Widdel of Sturgis Michigan, Sondra (Matt) Groene of Winfield Kansas, Troy (Sharon) Reusser of Wichita Kansas and Bryan (Therese) Reusser of Kennebunk, Maine. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Kara (Rob) Falkenstein, Steven (Jennine) Groene, Andrew (Kaitlyn) Groene, Kimberly (Brian) Simpson, Jackson Reusser, and Jacob Reusser, as well as 6 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Dwaine will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him, and his faith and love will be cherished greatly. The family would like to acknowledge the special care and attention Dwaine received from the staff of Always There Senior Care; Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and Comfort Care Homes.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton with The Rev. Kurt Letcher presiding. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday October 14, 2026 at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.