John L. Nafzinger

John L. Nafzinger spent his whole life in Hutchinson, Kansas, born there on February 27, 1907, to John and Emma Jane Young Nafzinger.

He worked as a car man for the Santa Fe Railroad Co. for 46 years, a career that spanned most of his working life in his hometown.

On February 2, 1927, he married Dorothy M. Hines in Hutchinson. They built their life together there, raising two sons and, over the years, welcoming five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren into the family.

John was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He was also a dedicated shortwave-radio operator for over 56 years, known on the air by his call letters WOUFF, and he enjoyed ham radio along with fixing electronics and TVs.

John died at his home on October 24, 1991, at the age of 84. He was survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, John R. Nafzinger of Hutchinson and Larry Nafzinger of Corpus Christi, Texas; five grandchildren, David Nafzinger, Jackie Burdick (David), Deb Swett, John Nafzinger, Bryndan Nafzinger; and six great-grandchildren, Garrett Nafzinger, Ryan Nafzinger, Shane Swett, Travis Swett, Eric Burdick, and Erin Burdick.

His funeral service was held at Elliott Chapel in Hutchinson, with Pastor Grant W. Housewright presiding, and he was laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Hutchinson.