Karl Ray Stutterheim
Karl Ray Stutterheim passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on September 16, 1937, in Long Island, Kansas, the only son of Henry and Fanny (Raymaker) Stutterheim.
Karl lived in Long Island until second grade, when he and his parents moved to Phillipsburg, Kansas. He graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1955, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete, with basketball being his favorite.
He went on to attend Kansas State University, graduating in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Karl played on the 1955–56 freshman basketball team under legendary coach Tex Winter and alongside All-American Bob Boozer. He was also a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships. During his freshman year, Karl met Connie Benjamin on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They married in June 1959 and shared 66 wonderful years together.
After college, Karl began his career at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City. In 1961, he and Connie moved to Salina, where Karl joined Jarrett Electric Company as an electrical engineer.
In 1974, Karl co-founded Kasa Industrial Controls with partner Sam Sheppard. Known for his honesty, integrity, and deep care for his employees, Karl often helped staff with personal medical expenses and emergencies from his own pocket. He served as president and CEO until his retirement in 2006, after which he devoted his time to family, travel, volunteering at Salina Regional Health Center as “the wheelchair guy,” and playing golf with lifelong friends.
Karl led a full and generous life, actively participating in his church, community, and numerous organizations. He served as a trustee, board member, or volunteer for many groups, including Sunflower Bank, St. John’s Military School, Trinity United Methodist Church, Salina Regional Health Center, Salina Country Club, Southeast of Saline, CAPS, First Tee, and Salina Charities. He was a member of Gridiron. A devoted supporter of Kansas State University, Karl contributed to the KSU Foundation, student scholarships, and the university's athletics programs. He held season tickets from the inaugural season of the stadium in 1968 (now Bill Snyder Family Stadium).
One of Karl’s proudest moments was his 2013 induction into the Salina Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
Above all, Karl was known as a kind and gracious gentleman, generous with his time, talents, and resources. He honored relationships by treating everyone with respect and dignity. His warmth and gracious spirit touched every person who met Karl Stutterheim.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Fanny Stutterheim.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters Karen Kogler (Duane) of Battle Ground, WA, and Nancy Jorgensen (Steve) of Vancouver, WA; son Dan (Jennifer) of Salina, KS; grandchildren Matthew, Daniel, and Katie Kogler of Battle Ground, WA; Emily Jorgensen of Birmingham, AL; Amy Jorgensen of Vancouver, WA; Ben Stutterheim (Megan) of Salina; Allison Stutterheim of Kansas City; and Gracie Fabing (Tom) of Manhattan. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Liam Morris and Ruth Stutterheim of Salina, and many other loving family members.
The Stutterheim family extends heartfelt thanks to Nat and the Presbyterian Manor staff for their patient and loving care of Karl.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 29, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina. A reception will follow at the Salina Country Club, where friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Karl’s remarkable life.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Salina Community Foundation, with “Karl Stutterheim Memorial” noted in the memo line.
Lonny Pucket
Lonny Pucket, 84, departed this world on the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, at 3:50 a.m., while in hospice care at Village Manor of Abilene, KS, with his oldest grandson watching over him.
Lonny Lee Pucket was born in Concordia, KS, on June 30, 1941, the son of George W. and Irene Lillie (Orebaugh) Pucket. He was a twin to Larry Lee Pucket and one of five children: Garrel, Clyde, Larry, Lonny, and their sister, Guila. Lonny was fortunate to attend school in his hometown of Glasco, KS, completing both grade and high school there and graduating in the spring of 1959.
After high school, Lonny moved to Salina to work for Lee Hardware before deciding to attend college at Fort Hays, where he graduated with an associate degree. Following college, Lonny moved to Wichita and began working in the aircraft industry as a painter. On weekends, he often returned home to see family and friends. It was during one of these visits that he met the love of his life, Fonda Plymire.
On June 8, 1968, Lonny and Fonda were married at the United Methodist Church in Glasco, KS. They lived in Wichita for the first few years before moving back to Salina. In the fall of 1970, they were blessed with the birth of a son, William Pucket. In the summer of 1976, they were again blessed, this time with a daughter, Gina (Pucket) Winter.
Life made Lonny a grandfather three times, a role he cherished. He faithfully attended countless soccer games, school programs, Boy Scout events, and anything else his grandsons were involved in. He believed that showing up was one of the best ways to show he cared. Whenever he could convince one of the boys to go to a car show or cowboy event, it became a day of joy that he would talk about often.
Lonny was a hard worker, having grown up on a farm south of Glasco. He loved sharing stories from his childhood with anyone who would listen. He spent over 25 years working for AGCO in Hesston, KS—a job he enjoyed because of the friendships he made, which made the daily commute worthwhile.
In his spare time, Lonny enjoyed taking his wife dancing at the Muse Ballroom. He loved classic car shows and cruising with the Thursday Night Cruisers. He also enjoyed traveling—first with his wife and children to places such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Mount Rushmore. Later, once the children were grown, he and Fonda traveled to places such as New York, where they saw their favorite country western singers perform at Carnegie Hall, and even took cruises to Cozumel and Alaska. They loved exploring the beauty of this country together.
Lonny is survived by his wife, Fonda Pucket of Kipp; son, William Pucket of Salina, KS; daughter, Gina Winter and husband Matthew of Salina, KS; three grandsons, Thomas Fletcher of Marquette, KS, and Nic Fletcher and Bryant Rush of Salina, KS; his brother, Clyde (Brenda) of Wichita; and many nieces and nephews.
A service and celebration of his life will be held at 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the same location. As was Lonny’s request, his favorite pies and cookies will be served. Please bring a story to share, as Lonny always enjoyed good conversation and cherished memories.
