Dr. Francis “Frank” Leo Depenbusch, MD, 83, passed away March 21, 2021, at Hospice House of Reno County, Hutchinson. He was born in a farmhouse, outside of Zenda, Feb. 9, 1938, to Bernard Peter “Ben” Depenbusch and Pauline Ann (Rohling) Depenbusch of Zenda, Kansas.
After graduating from Zenda High School in 1956, Francis initially attended Emporia State University, and then transferred to Kansas State University, where he graduated in 1961.
While attending the University of Kansas Medical School, Francis married the love of his life, Celestine “Sally” Arensdorf, on Aug. 25, 1962, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Willowdale, Kansas.
Francis graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1965 and joined the United States Navy Submarine Service as a medical officer. He served six years, completing three tours of duty. Francis completed his military service as a Lieutenant Commander, and continued specialty training in ophthalmology at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. He returned to his home state of Kansas and founded Hutchinson Eye Physicians and Surgeons, in 1972.
Francis was an active member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus Council #612, and was a charter member and Vice-President of Membership for Serra Club of Hutchinson. He also was active in the Rotary Club, Quivira Council board member with the Boy Scouts of America, a Silver Beaver Recipient for Service, and Scoutmaster and Cubmaster for BSA. In addition, Frank served on the Trinity High School Board and Booster Club, Hutchinson Hospital Board, was a fellow at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. Francis was a loving spouse, proud father and grandfather, an active hunter, traveler, photographer, scuba diver, boater, and lake-house owner at Yankee Run, Kanopolis.
Francis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Depenbusch, Hutchinson; three children, Dennis (Darcilyn) Depenbusch, Lawrence, Michelle (Brian) Powell, Lawrence, and Dr. Michael Depenbusch, Phoenix, AZ; one sister, Patricia (Ted) Neises; two brothers, Harold (Barbara) Depenbusch and Richard (Marilyn) Depenbusch; and grandchildren, Francis Dean Depenbusch, Brooke Ann Depenbusch, George Hoag Depenbusch, and Miranda Catherine Powell.
Francis was preceded in death by: his parents, Ben and Pauline; sister, Cecelia; and grandson, Jack Powell.
Parish Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021. Both the Parish Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Father Aaron Spexarth will be the main celebrant, with co-celebrant Father Joseph Eckberg and homilist Father Ned J. Blick. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Masks are recommended for both the Parish Rosary and the Mass of Christian Burial.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends following the Parish Rosary Friday at the church.
To view both the Parish Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial online, visit the church’s YouTube page by searching “Holy Cross Catholic Hutchinson-YouTube”.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Catholic High School, Church of the Holy Cross, or the Dr. Frank & Sally Depenbusch Donor Advised Fund at Hutchinson Community Foundation, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.