Roger Pruter, 85, Hays, died Saturday, November 8, 2025 at HaysMed.
He was born September 29, 1940 in Hays, the son of Otto and Ella May (Stockton) Pruter. Roger graduated from Paradise High School with the class of 1958, then he attended college in Hutchinson for a year before transferring to Fort Hays Kansas State College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts in 1963. Roger managed college cafeterias in many states including Wyoming and Louisiana, worked in sales, and served in the National Guard. On April 26, 1964 he was united in marriage to Janet “Jan” Wickham at the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, and they celebrated 61 years of marriage. For 28 years, Roger and Jan lived in Colorado. Roger loved the mountains, traveling with Jan in their Airstream, and planning rallies while president of the Colorado Airstream Club. He was a member of North Oak Community Church and enjoyed growing in faith and fellowship with his Tuesday morning men’s group.
Roger had a wonderful sense of humor and was a people person who had a gift for remembering names, interests, and preferences of those whom he encountered. He sought out those in need and helped them in simple ways filled with great kindness. He was proud to be from Paradise, organized many town reunions, and assumed the role of community curator. Roger made many photo albums for his family, enjoyed gardening, and when losing the use of his left arm, he took on the challenge of building his own raised garden beds. Most of all, Roger loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife Jan of Hays, son Wade Pruter of Wichita, daughter RaJan Pruter of Colorado Springs, CO, his sister, Nina Brewsaugh and husband Carl of Oklahoma City, OK, and three grandchildren, Caden Prescott of Colorado Springs, CO, Genna Pruter and fiancé Caden Pfeifer of Russell, and Avery Pruter of Wichita.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at North Oak Community Church with Pastor Josh Gelatt and Pastor Abraham Marintzer officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at the church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to North Oak Community Church or to Paradise Valley Grace Church. Services are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and condolences and memories of Roger may be left with his family at www.haysmemorial.com
Services
November 15, 2025
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
North Oak Community Church
3000 Oak Street
Hays, KS 67601
