"Keeping The Memories Alive"

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MARK RASSETTE



It's always sad to announce the passing of one of our classmates and this one is no exception.

Mark Louis Rassette, 66, of Hutchinson, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully March 20, 2019, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born June 8, 1952, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Hutchinson, to Louis and Virginia (Lenager) Rassette.

Mark attended Faris Elementary School, Central Junior High School, and Hutchinson High School. He received his bachelors degree in English Literature and Religion from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, and later earned a masters degree in History from Wichita State University.

Mark's passion for history, the arts, and social justice led him to a career path which included a position with the Reno County Museum, many years as Director of the Hutchinson/Reno Arts and Humanities Council, and a role as the Executive Director of the Hutchinson Art Center. He was also actively involved in the Hutchinson chapter of the NAACP.

Mark was a man of many talents. He utilized his green thumb serving as the head groundskeeper at Hutchinson Community College, teaching horticulture classes there, and landscaping his own yard to share its beauty with neighbors, friends, and family. Mark also had a culinary gift. His joy was to prepare food for others in good times and bad, and his barbeque skills were legendary.

On February 17, 1995, Mark married Gail Diane (Black) Hayes in Hutchinson. They shared 24 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are: sons, Joseph Hayes, Hutchinson, Matthew Hayes, daughter-in-law, Erica; grandchildren, Braden and Avery, all of Louisville, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Linda Perrin, Hutchinson; nephews, Clint Perrin, Hutchinson, and Nick Perrin, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and his faithful Boxer, Lola. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Mark's life and legacy is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Mark Rassette Memorial Fund for a memorial garden created by Prairie Hills Nursery and Landscaping that will be established in Mark's backyard, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Mark's generous spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those who were blessed to have known him.

Rest In Peace Mark.