Joseph Francis Ruysser, 69, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. A rosary will be said at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Road, Roeland Park, Kansas 66205. A Christian Burial following Mass will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, 645 Nebraska Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101.
Joseph Francis Ruysser was born on July 7, 1957, in Fairway, Kansas, the son of Bernard J. and Helen (DeCoursey) Ruysser. He attended St. Agnes School and Pembroke Hill School before graduating from Rockhurst High School in 1975.
From an early age, Joe developed a passion for hockey and tennis. He quickly distinguished himself in each, displaying a natural athletic ability, fierce competitiveness, and an unmistakable determination to excel.
On the ice, Joe was a natural defenseman, quickly advancing to play alongside boys two and three years older than himself. His powerful slap shot intimidated opponents and seemed to find the back of the net at least once in nearly every game. He loved the physical nature of hockey and never backed down when challenged. Those who played with him or against him quickly learned that being intimidated simply wasn’t in Joe’s nature.
When summer arrived, tennis took center stage. Joe discovered an early love for the game and, at just 10 years old, entered his first neighborhood tournament without telling anyone. He came home with the first-place trophy, much to everyone’s surprise! Over the years, he continued honing his skills on the tennis courts, competing in local and regional tournaments and bringing home numerous trophies as tennis remained one of his lifelong passions.
Joe loved Rockhurst High School. He was an enthusiastic yell-leader at football and basketball games and a standout member of the tennis team. During his senior year, he captained the team to the school’s first state championship, while individually earning third place at the Missouri State Tournament.
Joe’s compassion extended to others who struggled by volunteering in Appalachia, where he gave of himself by serving those in need. At Christmas, he adopted families who struggled financially to ensure they had gifts, necessities, and a little extra joy during the holiday season. His love for others touched many lives, leaving a legacy of kindness that will continue long after he is gone.
In the fall of 1975, Joe enrolled at the University of Kansas, where he studied business administration, joined the ATO fraternity, and earned a place on the KU tennis team as a walk-on. By his sophomore year, his talent and hard work had earned him a tennis scholarship. His four years at KU, both as a member of ATO and as a Jayhawk tennis player, were among the happiest of his life.
In the fall of 1979, Joe moved to Austin, Texas, to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Texas. His years in Austin broadened his perspective and opened his mind to new experiences and ways of thinking. He enjoyed being a Longhorn and embraced the familiar “Hook ’em Horns!” spirit. After earning his MBA, Joe worked for Mercantile Bank of Dallas for two years before returning home to Kansas City to join Commercial National Bank.
In 1993, Joe made a bold change, leaving his banking career behind by taking a leap of faith and moving to Lisbon, Portugal, to begin a new chapter with his brother Bernie. Over the next five years, he immersed himself in learning the Portuguese language, adapting to a new culture, and exploring business opportunities throughout the country. Living in Europe satisfied his insatiable curiosity about the world and gave him experiences and perspectives he could never have anticipated.
Joe returned to Kansas City in 1998 to be closer to family and focus on investment interests. He had an extraordinary curiosity about business and financial analysis and became an enthusiastic follower of Warren Buffett and his investment philosophy. He read everything he could about the “Oracle of Omaha” and made several trips to Omaha to attend the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting in person.
Joe was a gritty, one-of-a-kind soul whose love of family, adventure, and life left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He loved to travel, explore unfamiliar places, and experience new things. Whether cheering on his beloved KU Jayhawks or playing his heart out on the tennis court, Joe approached the things he loved with uncompromising passion and determination.
Above all else, family was at the center of Joe’s heart. He was fiercely loyal to those he loved, and nothing meant more to him than spending time with family. He cherished his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, taking genuine pride in being part of their lives and following their journeys. His love for them was deep, generous, and unwavering.
Joe also took great pride in being part of both the Ruysser and DeCoursey families. Family was more than a connection to him; it was a source of identity, belonging, and treasure. He loved the stories, traditions, history, and most of all, the people who came before him and helped shape his life.
Joe was our mother’s favorite son and emulated her sincere interest in relating to people. Joe adapted our father’s easygoing manner and compassion for other people’s struggles. Joe never tired of hearing stories about Grandpa DeCoursey, whom he held in high regard and of the family’s Irish roots. They were an important part of the family’s history, a history Joe cherished and carried with him throughout his life.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his three siblings, sisters Rita McMahon (Terrence), Kathleen J. Ruysser and Bernard J. Ruysser, Jr: two nephews Terrence McMahon, Jr, (Bailey) and Jack Ruysser, two nieces Mary Kathleen (Molly) Schulte (Cory), and Megan Conaghan (Benjamin) along with five great nephews and four great nieces.
The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and comfort shown to Joe by the medical professionals and caregivers who tended to him during the final chapter of his life. Their loving care will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.
Though our hearts are broken by Joe’s passing, we are grateful for the memories, the laughter, the stories, and the countless ways he made our family stronger simply by being part of it.
He was our beloved brother, uncle, and a proud member of the Ruysser and DeCoursey families. His loyalty, devotion to family, love of adventure, enthusiasm for the things he enjoyed, and genuine interest in the lives of those around him made him truly one of a kind.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship, adventure, and memories that will be cherished for generations.
We love you, Joe.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
Obituary published by Signature Funerals.
