Stanley Edward Rajtar
May 13, 1958 ~ October 5, 2021
Stanley Edward Rajtar, 63, retired firefighter for the Wichita Fire Department, passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Memorial Service, 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2021, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. A reception will follow at Villa Luna Venue (Blue Moon Catering), 8406 W. Central, Wichita, KS 67212. Stan's pride and joy were his twin grandchildren, who fondly referred to him as "papa". He was an avid sportsman and known for his competitive nature from sporting events to playing cards, and anything in between. Stan loved listening to 70's and 80's music as well as cooking for his family and at the fire station. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Rajtar. Survivors: his wife of 37 years, Vanda; daughter Lacey (Dave) Engelken; grandchildren, Ethan and Ella Engelken; sisters, Theresa (Chuck) Squires and Joni Carney; brother John Rajtar. A memorial has been established with Wichita Firefighters Relief Association, 731 N. Main Street, Wichita, KS 67203. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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Vanda my heart and prayers go out to you. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. LaTonya Barnett
Stan and I were first cousins. Our mothers were sisters. We didn’t see each other very often, but when we did, we would talk a long time about our families, grandkids, current events, sports, etc. He was taken way too young. I will miss Stan very much!!
Stan, we missed you at this year’s South High Golf tournament last weekend…sure could have used your game (they had us tee off from the old man’s tees…..I know you would have loved that – not). Here’s a picture of the last outing we had with the South High group 5 years ago. I’d show the ones we took in Vegas, but I guess that’ll have to stay in Vegas. We’ll be missing your comradery, great stories and of course your humongous bets big guy ( I think I’m only down a couple of quarters this year!). I pray that your family and friends, and especially, your wonderful grandchildren will remember all the great times they have had with you. I know I will. Your friend. Mel
Stan was a great guy. Will certainly miss him. Prayers for family.
Stan helped coach my daughters volleyball team about 5 or 6 years ago. He’d be right out there with them playing, encouraging them and challenging them to give every effort. He would run his mouth and crack jokes the whole time. My daughter really enjoyed her time playing for him and later got to play volleyball with him on a church adult league. Stan always kept in touch, curious about how Gracie, my daughter, was doing and always excited and hopeful about her future as a person and athlete. Stan was good people, so thankful we knew him. Thanks for sharing him with us and our deepest condolences to your family. Hugs.
Stan was a great volleyball player and he loved to coach and share his passions of the game. He helped coach my daughter’s club volleyball team. We have so many great memories with Stan on and off the court.
I worked with Stan for a the short time he was at Collins. He always had a smile and we had good conversations. I regret that I didn’t get to know him better.
One day, Stan and I were talking together at one of the many family gatherings in Wichita. For years, he had been an avid golfer. The conversation turned to golf and I admitted I had never—in 68 years—played golf, and that I had no idea whether or not I would even like to play golf. He told me—actually he was rather insistent–to meet him at the nine-hole, par-three golf course that lies between Augusta and Wichita–don’t remember the name. I met him that Saturday. He bought a bucket of balls; we took to the course driving range on the east edge of the course, and I began to tee off on my first golf balls. Since I was a novice, he was surprised at how well I swung the driver, complementing me on my natural fade. It might have been balderdash but nonetheless, gleefully, I was quite pleased with the analysis. And the rest is history. Till arthritis interfered, I enjoyed six wonderful years on golf courses, many of which he took me, an extreme pleasure I would not have experienced had it not been for Stan’s insistence. Stan was pretty competitive golfer. I, on the other hand, was not. As a matter of fact, I stopped keeping score, preferring just to hit and go find several times and enjoy the exercise and comradery. At the end of each round, however, Stan advised me of who had won the round and by how many strokes. Does that sound like Stan? Last thing, and I personally want everyone to remember this: I know something about Stan that no one but me has ever seen him do: One day we were playing a round on the Augusta golf course. We both teed off on #4, a par 3 hole. He easily hit the green. And we found his ball in the cup, a hole-in-one. And I am the verifying witness to that shot. I never hit a hole in one, but, by cracky, I was a part of experiencing one.