August "Gus" Bogina, Jr.

Senator August "Gus" Bogina, 96, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023.

He was born September 13, 1927, in Girard, Kansas, the son of August and Mary (Blazic) Bogina. He graduated from Arma High School at the age of 16 and enrolled at Kansas State University, where he became the youngest football player on the team. While attending K-State, he enlisted into the United States Army. After his time in the Army, he returned to Kansas State and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Gus was a member of the Christ The King Catholic Church of Topeka, National Society of Professional Engineers, Kansas Engineering Society, Kansas Consulting Engineers Council, the Lenexa Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus and a board member for the Lenexa Historical Society.

He was an accomplished man that dutifully served his state. Gus joined the Kansas House of Representatives and served three terms of the 30th District from 1975-1980. Following his time in the House of Representatives, he was elected as a Kansas State Senator of the 10th District, and served from 1980-1995. Following his Senate retirement, Gus was appointed by Governor Bill Graves as Chairman of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals. Gus was the owner of Bogina Consulting Engineers, Inc and retired in 1999.

Gus was a member of the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and the Lenexa, Merriam and Overland Park Chambers of Commerce. He was a proud member of the American Legion. He served as Chairman for the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Legislative Post Audit Committee, State Building Construction Committee, Select Joint Committee on Prison Construction, Corrections System Review Commission, Johnson County Delegation and was the Vice Chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

His accomplishments were noted in the Who's Who in American Politics, Who's Who in the Midwest and the Who's Who in Engineering. Gus was also listed in the International Dictionary of Biographies and Men of Achievement.

Gus married Nancy Louise Bogina on December 5, 1988 in Topeka, Kansas. Together, they traveled the world. One of their favorite trips was to see Niagara Falls. They enjoyed traveling by car, so that they could see the country and tried to see each state capital. They also enjoyed dancing.

Gus also enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, including fishing, hunting, and gardening. Gus enjoyed spending time on the water, boating and skiing. He was an avid K-State football fan and attended over 300 games throughout his life. He was considered a "Golden Cat" as one of the football alumni.

The most important thing about Gus was his love for life and truly living it to its fullest.

Survivors include his children, Augie (Terri) Bogina, III, Kathy Bogina, Mark Bogina; step children, Kathy (Brian) Hausthor and Korey (Lisa) Kaul; grandchildren, Michael Bogina, Ash Bogina, Caroline (Young) Hou and Elizabeth Bogina; step grandchildren, Evan Hausthor, Tyler Hausthor, Zoë Kaul, and Eli Kaul; and great grandchildren, Thomas Hou, Lily Hou and Mary Hou. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Louise Bogina; son, Mike Bogina; his parents, and brother, Fred Bogina.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers for their compassion and kindness.

Gus's family will greet family and friends from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Christ The King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka. He will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas State University Foundation 1800 Kimball Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan, KS 66502-3373 for engineering student scholarships.

To share a memory of August "Gus" or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.