Lorri Anne Stanislav

The world became less bright on July 8, 2026, when Lorri Anne Stanislav passed away. The colors seem a little muted now. Her shining light lives on in the countless hearts she touched and the joy she gave so freely will ripple through generations.

Lorri was born October 28, 1957, in Sacramento, California. Her parents Steven and Ellie Wedemeier moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she grew up alongside her sister, Stephanie (Uzendede). She attended Iowa State University, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, Jim Stanislav. They were married in 1981.

Together they built a busy life in Shawnee, raising three wonderful children: Bailey (Jesus Ramirez), Steve (Britte Ginty), and Julia (Alex Barbieri). Nothing brought Lorri greater happiness than becoming “Lala” to Mack, Jamie, and Gwendolyn. She adored her grandchildren beyond measure, delighting in every hug, every laugh, and every milestone. To them, she gifts a legacy of kindness, generosity, and, above all, joy.

Professionally, Lorri was a creative force unlike any other. She was part of the pioneering team that launched KCFX, the nation’s first classic rock station. While raising her kids, she freelanced as a writer for numerous clients, but spent most of her energy on nonprofits (YMCA, VarietyKC, and the American Stroke Foundation). Her imagination, determination, and heedless creativity helped transform these businesses. (How many cease and desists can one person receive?!)

In recent years, Lorri embraced another role that fit her perfectly: affectionately, “The Queen of Weston.” Through her imaginative promotions and deep love for the historic town, she introduced thousands of people to Weston, brought new visitors, new energy, and new appreciation to a place she loved dearly.

She never sought recognition. In fact, she often redirected praise to others, quietly standing in the background while celebrating everyone around her. She was always the first to offer help and almost never the one to ask for it. While her work earned national recognition, awards were never what motivated her. What mattered most to Lorri was helping others succeed.

What Lorri loved even more than creating brilliant ideas, was creating connections. She had an extraordinary gift for introducing people who would become lifelong friends, business partners, mentors, and even one happy marriage. To know Lorri was to feel seen. She often shared her love by throwing extravagantly thought out themed parties, where every person invited was considered. The joy was planning the party with someone or many someones in her thoughts. Lorri’s greatest accomplishments were measured in the effect she had on others. Those moments of “I can’t believe you remembered that!”

As the rememberer, Lorri loved family history, making sure those who went before her persisted. The lives and genealogy of her parents, grandparents Walter and Ethel

Wedemeier, and in-laws Mary and Milo Stanislav have all been extensively researched and recorded.

When celebrating life with her is all you’ve ever known or all you can remember, it takes a while to figure out how to celebrate without her. Celebration of Life plans to follow.

In the meantime, here are some ways to remember and honor her:

All of her life, she loved and supported the people around her, and it always seemed easy. Lorri would get an idea and just do it. So to honor her, please just do. That silly party? Do. Want to buy the goofy gift for your grandchild? Do. Lorri would like to encourage you to just do.

Lorri stubbornly hated taking photos. In lieu of flowers please share a photo or memory of Lorri.

Donations to VarietyKC would honor her generous spirit.