Brian E. Nutsch

Brian E. Nutsch, 57, of Washington, Kansas, passed away on August 25, 2025, while doing what he loved - working with cattle.

Visitation was held Monday, September 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family was there to greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Pallbearers were Drew Zenger, Trent Oesterich, Tom Adams, Taylor Schotte, Mark Nutsch and Todd Nutsch.  Honorary pallbearers were Doug Goeckel, Doug Gerleve, Willie Schooler, Larry Nutsch, Bruce Nutsch and Verlin Fulton.

A funeral service took place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, at the Hanover Community Building, with burial to follow at Hanover Cemetery. Pastor Jill Duis officiated.  Music selections were "Ashokan Farewell," "Lead Me Home," "When I Get Where I Am Going," " Go Rest High on That Mountain," East Bound and Down" and "Happy Trails." 

On April 17, 1968, Brian Eugene Nutsch was born to Ronold and Linda (Stolzer) Nutsch in Hanover, KS. He attended school in Washington and graduated from Washington High School in 1986. He attended SE Community College in Beatrice and graduated with an associate degree in Agriculture Production.

Brian worked for Francis and Shirley Nutsch during school, helping them farm and raise cattle. Brian and Francis went into the cattle business together and began Brian’s cowherd. He worked for the pallet factory in Hanover, helped at the sale barn and for thirty-two years, hauled pigs and sows for Quivira and Rolling Hills Pork. Brian worked alongside his dad farming and ranching his entire life.

Brian was a member of 4H, FFA and the Washington Co. Saddle Club. He attended horse shows and participated in jackpots and rodeos, team roping throughout the Midwest. He made many lifelong friends through the horses. Brian, Mark, Todd, and Kristie grew up together going to horse shows, rodeos, moving and gathering cattle. Nothing made Brian happier than to be able to rope and stretch out a cantankerous critter that didn’t want to be caught out in the pasture. Many evenings were spent practicing at the arena with friends and family. He won several buckles and other pieces of tack, but his proudest accomplishment was winning the USTRC Team Roping Championship 2005 in Sydney, IA.

Brian had a big heart and was always willing to help family and friends. He even responded to his brother-in-law’s call when he needed rescued off the roof with the loader tractor.

He enjoyed deer hunting and there are many stories shared among family and friends as Brian said some choice vocabulary as he didn’t always hit his target.

Each Spring working calves was a lot of work but always looked forward to as friends and family gathered to help each other. There may be a few hoodies still in existence with chalk marks as it wasn’t the cattle getting marked. It was a time of camaraderie and a lot of BS.

Brian loved kids and was good with them. The neighbor boys he loved to tease, saying “hello girls.” He was always willing to take time to talk and teach them too, whether it was something they should have been learning or not.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Linda; infant sister, Lisa, grandparents, Richard and Marjorie Nutsch and Elmer and Lucille Stolzer; uncle, Norman “Cowboy” Nutsch; and aunt, Sandra Blush.

Survivors include his father, Ron; sister, Kristie (Verlin) Fulton, Washington; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.