Leonard C. “Buster” Zarda
August 21, 2009
Leonard C. Zarda, 67, of Shawnee passed away Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Kansas City Hospice House.
Buster was born August 5, 1942 to Leonard and Josephine Zarda in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic School class of 1960. Buster served in the Kansas National Guard and was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and participated in the Perpetual Adoration prayers. Buster was a member of the Pioneers and assisted people with disabilities. He also helped many people lead a clean and sober life through thirty seven years of sobriety and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Buster was family oriented, a man of integrity, he is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carol A. Zarda, of Shawnee, three sons, David A. Zarda, Grandview, Missouri, Kenneth R. Zarda, Kansas City, Kansas, and Lawrence P. Zarda, Overland Park, Kansas; a granddaughter, Casandra D. Zarda, and her mother Dennice Martinez, both of Blue Springs, Missouri. Two sisters, Joanne (Robert) Mills, of Midlothian, Virginia; Rita L. (Robert) Wilson, Tonganoxie, Kansas; and one brother, David P. (Jacqueline) Zarda, Eudora, Kansas and numerous nieces, nephews and many good friends also survive him.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718 or American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.
Visitation and Funeral Mass
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 24, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, a rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 25, at St. Joseph Catholic Church; entombment will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Ronald D. Holzschuh, Ph.D.
August 21, 2009
Dr. Ronald D. Holzschuh, 72, of Overland Park passed away Monday, August 17, 2009.
Ron was born in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a place he always loved. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, received his Master’s from Bowling Green State University, his Ph.D. from Florida State followed by a Fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. In 1965 he started and was Executive Director of KC Big Brothers and Big Sisters for ten years. Later, he worked as a clinical psychologist until shortly before his death. His personal joy was writing poetry, often celebrating the loved ones in his life. His poems can be found at www.Ronholzschuh.com.
Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth whom he married August 26, 1961; two daughters, Andrea Liebe Holzschuh of High Ridge, Missouri and Rhonda Liesl Holzschuh of Overland Park; a son, Roarke Dane Holzschuh of Kansas City, Missouri; Alan Barnes, his Little Brother; and his beloved dog, Sophie.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Community Living Opportunities, P.O. Box 14395, Lenexa Kansas 66285 or to Animal Haven.
Celebration of Life Services
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.
Karla Jolene (Aberson) Huitink
August 21, 2009
Karla Jolene (Aberson) Huitink, 62, child of God, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, advocate and mentor passed away on August 21, 2009.
She was a resident of Wellsville, Kansas. Karla Huitink, the first lady of Crossroads Church, RCA, applied her passion and expertise in art as an educator, designer and adviser. Karla loved children and was committed to education, serving various roles in that field her entire life. She established and directed Apple Tree Preschool for 16 years; beginning as a small school and transforming it into an accredited and reputable preschool that influenced the lives of every child, parent and staff member it connected with. Karla loved foremost her family and relished being on the farm with her husband, whether planting flowers or taking rides in the country.
She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony (Tony) Aberson. She is survived by her husband, Don, her daughters and their husbands, Nicole and Darin Jupe and Angela and Hoss Fuentes, a grandson Carter Jupe, and an unborn child (Fuentes), her mother, Ethel Aberson, two brothers, Jim Aberson and Ken Aberson, a sister, Debbie Kempema.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Karla Huitink Memorial, a fund for the spiritual formation and development of children administered by Crossroads Church.
Celebration of Life Services
A Celebration of Life service for Karla Huitink will be held at Crossroads Church on Monday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Chuck Werly
August 18, 2009
Chuck Werly, age 71 of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Sunday August 16, 2009.
Chuck was born July 11, 1938 in Morristown, New Jersey to Emil and Polly Guerry Werly. He graduated from Washburn High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota and the University of Illinois. Chuck was employed for 33 years by Walz Tetrick Advertising, retiring in 2005 as Senior Production Artist. He continued to work on a freelance basis after his retirement and his imprint on the agency’s history is indelible. He was an active member and volunteer at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Chuck is survived by one brother Bob Werly and wife Kathy of Overland Park, Kansas; and two nephews, Fred Werly of Kansas City, Missouri and Eric Werly of Overland Park, Kansas.
The family would like to thank Manor Care, Specialty Hospital of Mid-America, and especially St. Luke’s Cancer Institute for their efforts and care.
In life Chuck was gentle. In the face of death he was courageous.
Memorial donations in Chuck’s name may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5325 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203.
Visitation and Memorial Services
A visitation will be held Friday August 21, 2009 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Shawnee from 1:00 pm to 2:00 PM followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm.
Loren F. Rodgers, Jr.
August 18, 2009
Loren F. Rodgers Jr. age 82, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Aug.ust 18, 2009.
Loren was born November 9, 1926 in Peculiar, Missouri to Loren F. Sr. and Nellie Mae Sulser Rodgers. He graduated from Butler High School, served with the US Army in Japan, and graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Loren got his pilot’s license while in college and later built and flew model airplanes extensively. For many years he enjoyed traveling by motorcycle. He also very much enjoyed working as a buyer for Wilson Co. Loren was a life long Baptist and a member of Calvary Baptist Church, in Lenexa, Kansas.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Loren is survived by his wife Carrie Rodgers; a daughter Theresa Lorene Campbell and husband Richard; his granddaughters Genevieve Casey and husband Wes, and Caitlin Campbell.
Donations in Loren’s memory may be made to the Humane Society.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Services will be held Friday, Augist 21, 2009 with a visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM followed by a funeral service at 11 AM at The Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.
If you received a letter regarding your NPS prearrangement, read this.
August 17, 2009
If you have a prearrangement with the Amos Family Funeral Home which was funded through National Prearrangement Services (NPS), you may have received a letter and some claim forms in the mail. We are advising our clients to not submit a claim as the claim is only for any unpaid growth from the insurance policy used to fund the funeral plan. Currently, the Kansas Life and Health Guaranty Association is paying the original face amount of the policy as a death benefit. The funeral home provides the services listed in the contract and accepts the death benefit as payment for the contract. Any out of pocket cost to the consumer will only be for items not included in the original contract. These typically include, obituaries, death certificates, clergy honorariums, musicians, grave opening, etc.
If you would like to file a claim and need assistance, we will gladly help you. Or, if you wish to review your contract with us, or have any other questions, you can call us at 913-631-5566 or email us at mail@amosfamily.com.
Della L. Birdsong
August 17, 2009
Della L. Birdsong, 73, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away on August 17, 2009 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Della was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Vera (Bennett) Rhynerson. She is survived by her sister, Roberta Sparks and eight children Mike (Diana Lea) Birdsong, Grapevine, Texas; Terri (Carl Ray) Crump, Lenexa, Kansas; Jim (Gina) Birdsong, Murrieta, California; Jeff Birdsong, Lenexa, Kansas; Jerome Birdsong, Kansas City, Kansas; Joe Birdsong, Kansas City, Kansas; Johanna (Dan) Dickman, Shawnee, Kansas; Cheryl Birdsong-Dyer (Sean Dyer), Leawood, Kansas; 26 grandchildren: Bridgett Yeldell, Amy Birdsong, Angie Birdsong, Dana Jones, Meagan Riley, Steven Dickman, Jenna Dickman, Tyler Dickman, Justin Birdsong, Julie Hansett, Bill Hansett, Sarah Birdsong, Nellie Dyer, Webster Dyer Melissa Birdsong, Brett Birdsong, Bambi Birdsong, Brooke Birdsong, Jerome Birdsong, Jessy Birdsong, Samantha Birdsong, Chris Birdsong, Tyler Birdsong, Ashlynn White, Joseph Birdsong, Dylon Birdsong, Niki Birdsong, Brandy Birdsong; and 31 great-grandchildren: Aaliyah Yeldell, Dominic Yeldell, Paul Guerrero II, Kaitlyn Birdsong, Alyssa Toth, Tait Torset, Dominick Herrera, Heaven Herrera, Rogelio Herrera, Michael jr Herrera, Marissa Herrera, Kennidy Birdsong, Jayden Hansett, Jordan Wilson, Jeremy Daniels, Jayden Daniels, Delaino Loya, Anthony Loya, Alexis Pena, Juleonna Pena, Amiliyana Birdsong, Alycia Pena, Jerome Birdsong, Jaiden Birdsong, Jasmine Birdsong, Jessy Birdsong, Jerome Birdsong, Joseph James Birdsong, Joseph David Birdsong, Jessalyn Birdsong, Haylee Birdsong; and nieces and nephews.
“When you first think of Della Birdsong you think of a strong, loved, unique, wise, comforting, honest, gorgeous, independent, loving, amazing woman. Della Birdsong has been through a lot in her life, and through all of it she’s been amazingly strong, some of us just don’t understand how she does it. She always had a way to amaze us all, many of her family members looked up to her, and I’m not talking about a small family. Della has a very big family that loves her and adores her. It’s funny because she had 2 things she loved to do, playing solitaire and reading, and she would do both a lot. Della was always a very comforting person, she always had a way to make you feel loved. No matter what she always gave the best advice, and would always tell you her honest opinion. She also had something you can’t find in many places these days, she wasn’t judgmental, and no matter what you’ve done she would make you feel equal to everyone else. She was very beautiful and gorgeous inside and out, honestly I don’t think anyone will ever fill her shoes because she was just that great. Even in heaven I believe she’ll be sharing her greatness forever and ever. You will be loved and missed. God bless. ”
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Foundation, 5960 Dearborn Street, Suite 100, Mission, Kansas 66202 or online at http://www.americanstroke.org/content/view/47/131/
Visitation and Funeral Service
Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 22, 2009 at The Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Star Valley Cemetery, La Cygne, Kansas.
Jack Gerald Rupert
August 17, 2009
Jack Gerald Rupert, 84, Overland Park, Kansas passed away Monday, August 17, 2009 at his home.
Mr. Rupert was born May 6, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska to Lawrence and Freda (Sharrett) Rupert. Jack attended Baker and Kansas State Universities and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corp during WWII. Jack was an industrial engineer with Hallmark Cards retiring after 35 years of service. He had many hobbies including photography, fishing, Ham radio and accumulating toys.
Survivors include his wife, Pat (Palmer) Rupert; son, Scott Rupert, his wife, Carol, Overland Park, Kansas; two daughters, Carrie Borgman, her husband, Randy, Shawnee, Kansas and Diane Silvey, Lake Ozark, Missouri; sister, Joanne Gaar, Westwood, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Dan Silvey, Kim Silvey, Travis Rupert, Tyler Rupert, Trey Spencer, Danielle Torres and Jill Torres; and three great grandchildren, Dominick Silvey, Christian Silvey and Wynn Generally.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kansas City Hopice Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, Missouri 64114
Memorial Service
Family and friends will gather from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.
John Owen
August 16, 2009
John Owen, 86, Shawnee, passed away August 16, at the VA Medical Center in Topeka.
John was born March 14, 1923 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to John E. and Lulu Owen. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. John served as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator in the European Theater. John received a Certificate of Merit for performing his duties while under heavy bombing and continual enemy sniping. John retired from the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department after 26 years of Service. John was a member of East Gate Masonic Lodge #631, Ararat Shrine – Legion of Honor, VFW Post #4242, and American Legion Peter Smith Post #327.
John is preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters, 2 brothers, his wife of 26 years, Alice Owen Wolfe, his wife of 22 years, Caroline E. Owen, son Donald A. Owen and grandson John E. Owen, II. John leaves his wife, Leota M. Sauve’ Owen of 14 years, son John E. Owen (Nancy), daughters Linda Thompson (Del), and Donna DeeAnn Brown, stepdaughters, Judy Mahler (Spike), Mary C. Smith (Kenneth), Linda L. Heath, Janice Hart (John) and Carol Anne Salisbury (Lewie); 21 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren also survive him.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children; 2001 S. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63131-3597.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 21 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. A rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.
Gary Janesko
August 15, 2009
Richard Gary Janesko, Overland Park, Kansas passed away Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Gary was born April 4, 1935 in Kansas City, Kansas to Stanley and Ovene (Nicholson) Janesko. He was a 1953 graduate of Argentine High School. On June 24, 1956, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Anna Jean Brown in Kansas City, Kansas. During the 1950’s-60’s, Gary pitched semi-pro baseball and tried out for the White Sox. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Gary was an active member and past president of the Airstream Club of Kansas City, Missouri and traveled extensively. He was an avid animal lover and a lifelong pet owner.
He is survived by his wife and three children and their families, Dan and Leslee Janesko, daughters, Jaycee and Allison, Gladstone, Missouri; John Janesko and sons, Alex and Stan, Shawnee, Kansas; and Jill and David Hyatt and son, Matt and daughters, Stephanie and Katie, Amity, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Animal Haven, 9800 W. 67th, Merriam, Kansas 66203.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee; burial in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kansas. Friends may call from 12-1:30 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.