Richard Eugene Brotzman

Richard Eugene “Ol’e Buff” Brotzman, 76, of St. George, Kansas, died Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at his home. He was a long-time resident of the area. Richard was born April 28, 1945, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Basil Underwood Brotzman and Margaret (Bleisner) Brotzman. He attended grade schools and graduated in 1963 from Rushford, Minnesota High School. Richard then proudly served in the United States Army. Richard served in the military for 22 years and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a food service specialist and over the years was in charge of numerous mess halls. After his retirement from active service, Richard worked as the night manager for the Fort Riley base commissary. Richard also owned his own business, “Ol’e Buff Archery/KonzaTipi/Konza Shelters” in St. George. He was known for his self-made bows, arrows, teepees and leather work. He was an author of “The Osage Orange Static Recurve: A Workable Knowledge From Live Tree To Finished Bow" and “Arrowsmithing: A Workable Knowledge From Primitive to Traditional”. And many times, was published in The Backwoodsman Magazine, The Instinctive Archer and others. He is even referenced on the Wikipedia page about Fletching. He was a founding member of KTA (Kansas Traditional Archers). Richard made his own full sized cedar strip canoe, from cutting the tree trunk to a watertight functioning canoe. Richard also enjoyed fishing, tying flies and his big one dollar weekly Kansas Cash Lottery game, two dollars if the prize was extra-large. Richard married Lonnie Jean Alston on June 19, 1965, in Rushford, Minnesota. For 56 years, their marriage was one of many laughs and examples of what it means to be a loving spouse and parent. She survives at their home. He is also survived by his children; Rick Brotzman (Polly), Hutchinson, John Brotzman, Marion, and Julie Myers (Mike), Lenexa; his grandchildren, Ryan Brotzman (Raecyne), and Lilly Brotzman, both of Huchinson; and 5 great-grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bonnie Eide. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr Jacqi Lambert and Dr Gilbert Katz for the wonderful care given to Richard for many years. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:00 pm at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery Fort Riley. The family suggests memorial contributions to The Wounded Warriors Project and those may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.