Joel Duscher succumbed to his battle with cancer on Oct. 23, 2026. Joel was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who cherished family above all else. He would always do anything for his loved ones and lend a helping hand in times of need.
He was born Dec. 27, 1956, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, to Leroy Andrew and Lucina Rose (Tauer) Duscher. From an early age, Joel had a love of competition and fun. He loved all sports and, in high school, played baseball, basketball and golf. He made state in golf, though was always fast to point out, it was only because qualifying was at his home course in Redwood Falls.
After high school, Joel went to college at Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, graduating in 1979 with a degree in business management. On May 2, 1981, he married Lori Ann Deutsch, in Ellsworth, Minnesota. Joel worked in retail department stores, serving as a store manager for Pamida for over 20 years. The job took him and his family across the Midwest, following opportunities for work. They made stops in Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota and Nebraska, before finally settling down in Kansas.
Joel worked hard, but he also played hard, which showed in his love of games. Golf, bowling, cards and games of all kinds were a staple throughout his life. Whenever family got together, games of 500 or Farkle would always be played, with plenty of laughter and trash talk. As his children spread out geographically, he picked up new games to stay in touch with fantasy football and online cards.
Food was another joy in Joel’s life, as long as vegetables were not involved. One of his favorite events every year was traveling to Minnesota for the annual fish fry. Joel was a very serious dessert tester, ensuring that all pies were the perfect quality every year through the use of test pies. Thanksgiving meals could not happen until he signed off on the quality of the test pies.
When his wife, Lori, suffered a stroke in 2018, he never hesitated to do what was needed to care for her. Though their retirement was unexpected, Joel did everything that he could to give them the retirement they deserved. They traveled frequently to visit family and friends around the country. Always willing to try new things, he picked up PC gaming and played golf games every morning. Joel always made the most of every moment.
Joel is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lori of Hutchinson; children, Andrew Duscher (Whitney) of Hutchinson, Kari Susairaj (Dominic) of Davenport, Iowa, Jessica Duscher (Jacob Johnson) of Wichita, and Austin Duscher of Hutchinson; five grandchildren, Evin, Linus, and Natalie Duscher and Luceena and Riley Susairaj; siblings, John Duscher (Jan), Susan Floodman (Mervin), Jean Norcutt (Owen), Gregory Duscher (Laurylee), and Karen McCarthy (Jon); father-in-law, William Deutsch; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Damian Deutsch (Cindy), Joe Deutsch (Brenda), Ellen Grode (Jeff), Teresa Johnson (Lloyd), Steve Deutsch (Adria), Karen Werner (Mike), David Deutsch, Richard Deutsch, and Barbara Wessels (Chad); and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and the numerous friends that he made along his journey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal and paternal grandparents; brother, Roger (Father Romuald) Duscher; and mother-in-law, Jean Deutsch.
Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Road, Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Private inurnment will take place in Minnesota. Friends may sign his book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Joel Duscher Memorial Fund (to benefit cancer organizations that supported Joel during his cancer journey), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501. To benefit the Joel Duscher Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.