John A. Bausch

John A. Bausch, 88, of Topeka, passed away on the 3rd day of March, 2013. He was born on February 27, 1925 in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Henry J. and Helen Shafer Bausch. He attended Topeka Public Schools.

John was mobilized and called into federal service with the Kansas National Guard on December 23, 1940, one year prior to Pearl Harbor. He served in the 137th lnfantry Regiment of the 35th Division and saw combat in the countries of France, Belgium and Germany. John was wounded in action, received the Purple Heart Medal and was awarded the Silver Star Medal. He also received the Combat lnfantryman's Badge. He earned his Sergeant's Stripes in WWll. John was commissioned as an officer in the Kansas National Guard after WWll and later retired at the rank of Major, lnfantry. John was discharged from the Army on September 6, 1945.

He enrolled in Washburn University and obtained a degree in Business Administration and a Law Degree in August, 1950. John was a member of the Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, L.L.P law firm at the time of his death. He had practiced law in Topeka, Kansas for 60 years prior to his death. He was a member of the Topeka, Kansas and American Bar Associations. He was also an original member of the Kansas Bar Foundation. John was also a longtime member of the Washburn lchabod Club, and a KU football season ticketholder since the late 1950s.

John was active in veterans' organizations after WWII. He was a member and past Commander of Capitol Post #1 of the American Legion and also past Commander of the 1st District (Northeast) Kansas. He was also a member of Phillip Billard VFW Post #1650, Topeka, Kansas. John was past president of the 35th lnfantry Division Association. He took great pride in telling his friends that he had met President Harry S Truman several times. Mr. Truman had served in the 35th lnfantry Division in WWI and was also a past president of the 35th lnfantry Division Association.

John was a 50-year member of Orient Lodge #51 AF&AM and a life member of both the Scottish Rite Bodies and Arab Shrine. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He was married to Mary Bausch for 54 years; she preceded him in death in July 2011. Survivors include his three children, Sarah Benson (Robert) of Denver, CO; Susan Morris (Larry), Holton, KS, and Stephen Bausch, Denver, CO. John had seven grandchildren: Jacob Benson (Kelly), Denver, CO; Elisabeth Arant (Andrew) San Diego, CA; 1LT Jordan Benson serving in Afghanistan; Emily Blewett (Steven), Austin, TX; Brad Morris, Holton, KS; Charles Benson, Boulder, CO, and Phil Morris, Chicago, IL. John also had a nephew, Jack L. Armstrong, and niece, Judy Johnson.

He was very proud of the successes and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

At the request of Mr. Bausch, no services are planned. There will be a family visitation on Monday, March 11, 2013, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Street, Topeka, KS, 66604, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. A military graveside burial will take place at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675.