Gary E. Lausch

Gary was born on June 2, 1944 to Charles H. and Susan Sweigart Lausch of Ephrata, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Ephrata Union High School in June 1962, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Stoddard (DD-566), a Fletcher-class destroyer for the next three years. After completing his service, Gary attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, graduating in December 1970, with a B.A. degree in Psychology and Sociology.

Over the next 47 years, Gary would serve in both state and federal government: 10 years with the State of Kansas and 37 years with the Social Security Administration. He retired in 2018.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sara Whiting Lausch and their son, Charles Bryson “Bryce” Lausch, and wife, Jennifer Campbell Lausch, his four granddaughters Alexis, Campbell, Zoie, and Piper, all of Kansas City; and brother, David Lausch and his wife Suzy of Akron, PA, and sisters, Joan and her husband James R. Stoner of Ephrata, PA, and Carol Pyles, wife of the late J Pyles of Lancaster, PA; as well as many other family members.

Gary was an intelligent man with a sharp wit and good sense of humor. His father always told him that ‘you must know’ and with that advice, he became a self-reliant, confident, and disciplined man. He was loyal and valued the friendships he had from childhood, from the Navy, with his neighbors, with work associates and doctors in Topeka and Kansas City, and with the men in his Saturday sports bar group.

He took great pleasure from Saturday morning breakfasts with his son, his mother’s shortbread cookies, solo drives exploring the City, sporting events for his granddaughters, dressing well, vacationing with extended family at the beach in Lewes, Delaware, and attending Royals Spring Training. And, for many years, he supported his son’s interest in cycling by volunteering and attending races.

To view a video presentation of photographs, go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsyYbVxamnwF5aPVWLxgRrw.

Memorial contributions may be made to The University of Kansas Cancer Center or to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care.

The family will observe and celebrate his life privately.