Steven P. Reust, age 77, of Frankfort, KS, passed away on June 8, 2026, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Leo McMinimy Post 181 American Legion in Frankfort.  Military honors will take place at 6 p.m.

Private family burial will be held. 

Steven was born October 2, 1948, in Manhattan, Kansas, to Ralph Paul Jr. and Betty Berneece (Winters) Reust. He attended school in Frankfort and graduated from Frankfort High School in 1966. Following high school, he attended Highland Community College and Cloud County Community College before being drafted into the United States Army and serving his country during the Vietnam War. During his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge, Steven returned to Kansas and continued his education at Fort Hays State University.

On July 28, 1972, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Beth” Kuckelman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Frankfort. The couple initially lived in Natoma while Beth taught school. They later moved to Hays, where Beth earned her master’s degree while Steven worked. In 1977, they returned to Frankfort, and Steven began a long career with Union Pacific Railroad as a track maintenance welder. He retired in 2008 after more than three decades of service.

Steven was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed building custom fishing rods. He and Beth shared a passion for the hobby and for many years attended the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. An avid outdoorsman, Steven also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping.

He was a member of Leo McMinimy Post 181 American Legion in Frankfort.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Beth, of the home; two sons, Seth (Julie) Reust of Basehor, Kansas, and Sam (Katrina) Reust of Lawrence, Kansas; a daughter, Abby Reust of Lawrence, Kansas; a grandson, Liam Reust; siblings, Tom Reust, Nancy Roeder, and Julie Caffrey; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.