James "Anthony" Horsch

James “Anthony” Horsch passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026, due to unexpected complications after a recent surgery.

Anthony was born April 11, 1959, in Newton, Kansas, to Ruth (Emerson) and James Horsch (now deceased).

During his formative years, Anthony’s family moved numerous times while his father was studying for the ministry and held pastoral assignments. He loved spending countless summers at the homes of both of his grandparents in Fisher, Illinois. In 1968, when he was nine years old, his family moved from Hesston, Kansas, to Scottdale, Pennsylvania, where his father accepted a job at the Mennonite Publishing House. Anthony loved western Pennsylvania, especially working at Laurelville Mennonite Church Center starting when he was 14. However, jobs were few in the late 1970s, and after he graduated high school, Anthony headed back to his birthplace accepting an invitation to work at the Colonial House in Hesston. There he turned the head of a waitress, Rhonda Ensz, in short order with his first pun. A man of quick wit and action, he and Rhonda married just one year later.

A self-taught carpenter, all-around maintenance man, and mechanic, Anthony loved working with his hands. He never let lack of knowledge or experience stand in his way. Undaunted, Anthony would tackle any project and figure it out as he went along. A thrifty man who believed in creative reuse, if he didn’t have it he would make it. There was nothing Anthony wouldn’t and couldn’t do, and do well.

And while Anthony found keeping time challenging and left the piano and the saxophone to gather dust, he said, “I know how to play the radio.” He constantly listened to bluegrass, gospel, folk, Americana, hymns, you name it. Like his grandmother who sang her way through the day, music was the heart of Anthony. And in his shortened life he lived to the beat and the rhythm of about a million songs.

Anthony had boundless curiosity and sought to learn as much of the who, what, why, and when about every subject including world news and politics. He loved storytelling and was especially captivated by history. As a child, he was captivated by history on family outings to historical sites. After he married, Anthony continued the tradition of taking his family to museums and historical landmarks. His family says he never met a plaque he didn’t like, and they would wait (im)patiently in the car counting the minutes until they could get back on the road while he pondered over every word.

Eager to share his love of history with kids, Anthony completed a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (1991) from Wichita State University. After graduation, he began volunteering at Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. This experience blossomed into a more than 30-year passion, where he was currently serving as the Director of Education and Interpretation. Dubbed as Mr. Cowtown, Anthony entertained thousands of kids and adults with his stories of Wichita’s history, and also trained generations of interpreters and volunteers.

Anthony loved the traditional Friday and Sunday dinners with his children when they were growing up, giving advice, and helping with homework; then, as adults, he helped them with projects in their new homes, as well as offering humorous solutions. He delighted in playing with his four grandchildren.

Anthony was known for his many puns and his wry, wicked sense of humor, which he shared with friends and strangers. He loved to laugh and spark laughter with others. No matter how serious a situation, it never dimmed the twinkle in his eye. He rarely complained and never met a joke he wouldn’t tell. Anthony loved life and laughed despite its difficulties.

Anthony was a man who followed his own compass, walked to the beat of his own drum. A uniquely unique person, he charted a path for himself only he could walk and yet wholly accepted others with kindness and joviality no matter what their circumstance. For many, he was the guy in bib overalls, his own personal dress code that began in his youth.

A man of conviction, Anthony was a dedicated member of The New Creation Fellowship Church for 40 years. He was drawn to the church for the music and focus on community. He led worship services as a member of the leadership teams.

Anthony is survived by wife Rhonda; daughter, Rachel (Jason) Andreas; son, Stephan (Brandy Martinez) Horsch; grandchildren, Paisley and Owen Andreas; Nathaniel and Leia Horsch- Martinez; mother, Ruth Horsch; sister, Janet Horsch; brother, Jon Horsch.

Like his unfinished projects, Anthony had so much more to do. The family is deeply saddened that he was beamed up too soon, and hoped he’d return at least for his keys, wallet, and a kiss good-bye. May the force be with him.

A memorial service with laughter and tears to honor Anthony’s life will be announced in the coming days.