Special Friends

Kelly's Memorial

GEORGE R. WIEDENMANN Jr.

George R. Wiedenmann, Jr., 82, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2007. A Memorial service will be held Friday, June 1, 3 p.m., at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Mo. Friends may call on Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Welcome House, 1414 E. 27th, Kansas City, MO 64108, or to the Westport Historical Society, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111. George was born on September 13, 1924, in Kansas City, Mo. The Wiedenmann family, German descendants who settled in Westport in 1854, were property and business owners who helped in the development of Westport. George graduated from Westport High School and the University of Missouri in Columbia. He served in the Marine Corp from 1942 to December 1945, most of his time was served in the Central Pacific. During the Korean conflict, he was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Phi, Alpha Beta Chapter, the Westport Historical Society and University of Missouri Alumni Association. George married Laura Pare in January 1950. George is survived by his wife Laura of 57 years, his four children: Karen (David) Bulk, Lynn (James) Heinze, Kurt (Nancy) Wiedenmann and Laurie (Rick) Bywater, and 10 grandchildren. Arrangements are with the McGilley State Line Chapel - (816) 942-6180. Published in the Kansas City Star on 5/31/2007.

JAMES T. HOWARD

1946-2006 James T. Howard passed peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer. He was a loving husband and father to seven children and eight grandchildren. Although he was booted out of every bar in Westport, he always went back. Jim will be toasted at Kelly's Westport Inn, on his birthday, Wednesday July 12th, at 4:30 p.m. No Flowers. Donations to Welcome House. (Arrangements: Heartland Crematorium, 816 313-1677)

LEO JOSEPH ALDERMAN

Leo Joseph Alderman, 61, Kansas City, MO, passed away Friday, January 20, 2006 at St. Luke's Hospital North. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 24, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7277 NW 9 Highway. The family will receive friends from 5:30-8:00 p.m., Monday, January 23, with a prayer service and remembrances at 7:00 p.m. at D.W. Newcomer's Sons White Chapel, 6600 N. Antioch. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Leo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 13, 1944. He was the youngest of seven children of J. Donald and Anna Brady Alderman. Leo was predeceased by his parents, and by brothers J. Donald Alderman and Dr. Thomas F. Alderman, sister Joan Alderman Walter and infant sister Mary Elizabeth Alderman. He is survived by daughters Sarah and Laura Alderman of the home, stepson Neil Harris Jr., his dear friend and companion Sheri Sheafer, sister Ann G. Johnson and husband Ben of St. Louis, Mo., brother Dr. J. Lewis Alderman and wife Joyce of Olathe, Ks., sister-in-laws Mary Agnes Dunlap Alderman and Barbara Morrison Alderman of Kansas City, Mo. He also leaves a large and loving extended family. Leo was a graduate of Donnelly College and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He was a recipient of the DuPont Award for scholarship in chemistry. Leo began his career as a microbiologist for Midwest Research Institute and was later employed by the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Protection Agency before transferring to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that part of his career that he loved so much. He held several positions at the EPA before becoming Division Director of the Water Wellness and Pesticides Division. He was also appointed to the Senior Federal Executive Services, the highest level of management for career employees. Leo was a member of the Kansas City Rugby Club and the Kansas City Bulls Rugby Club. Leo's life joys included his daughters Sarah and Laura, Sheri, his extended family, the EPA family and rugby. Leo was one of the good guys. Special thanks to Bill and PA Zaner, David and Suzie Duncan, Jim Gulliford of the EPA family, the William Jewell College Soccer Team and the Kansas City Rugby community for their special remembrance to Leo this past Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Mary Colleen Alderman Scholarship Award Fund c/o Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences at 1750 Independence Ave., Kansas City, Mo. 64106. (Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer's Sons White Chapel, 816-452-8419)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 1/23/2006.

PHILIP KOHORST

Philip Kohorst, 33, of West Des Moines, formerly of Carroll, died of an apparent heart condition Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005 at Ames.
Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 10 at Holy Spirit Church in Carroll. The Celebrants will be the Revs. Sunny Dominic and Dale Reiff. Lector will be Dave Prebeck. Gift bearers will be Stacy Sporrer and Kristin Platz. Mass server will be Jared Prebeck. Eucharistic ministers will be Joea and Donna Kemper.
Casket bearers will be Jason Kohorst, Chad Kohorst, Tom Grote, David McCrea, Kevin Sporrer, Scott Sporrer, Bill Kemper and Jon Prebeck. Honorary casket bearers will be Tom Auen, Greg Gute, Brent Simons, Tyler Simons, Tom Steffes, Brad Stork, Derrick Overmohle and Matt Pottebaum.
Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Carroll. Friends may call at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll after 4 p.m. Wednesday. There will be a Christian wake service at 7 p.m. by Holy Spirit Parish. Visitation will resume at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or church for Kuemper Catholic Schools.
Mr. Kohorst was born July 7, 1972 at Carroll, the son of Roger and Deanna (Kemper) Kohorst. He spent his younger years in the Carroll community and attended St. Lawrence Elementary School and graduated from Kuemper High School in 1991. He then graduated from Iowa State
University in Ames with a bachelor of science degree.
He was employed in advertising sales for television stations in Dubuque, Janesville, Wis., and Sioux City. He then moved to Des Moines where he was employed in sales for WOI-TV in Ames and was currently an account executive for WHO-TV in Des Moines.
Mr. Kohorst enjoyed his family and friends, golf and supporting Iowa State University, Notre Dame University and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Survivors include his father, Roger Kohorst of Carroll; brothers, Mark Kohorst of Harlan, and Keith Kohorst and his wife Jennifer of Mount Pleasant; two nephews; his grandmother, Rosemary Kohorst of Carroll; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Deanna Kohorst, in June 2001; and grandparents, Henry Kohorst and William and Frances Kemper.

MURPH JOHNSON

Murph (Roy) Johnson 1946-2005 Murph Roy Johnson, 59, life-long Westport resident, political activist and dealmaker began his next great adventure on the 8th of September, 2005. Since flowers and funerals aren't exactly Murph's thing, Benjamin, Allison, Cathy and Carol request donations to Welcome House, Inc., 1414 East 27th St., KCMO, 64108. A celebration of life will be held at Kelly's Westport Inn on Sunday, September 25, 2-4 p.m. Don't forget to "Stay out of Jail."
Published in the Kansas City Star on 9/11/2005.

JAMES ANDREW HUGHES

James Andrew Hughes, 85, of Kansas City, died August 26, 2005 at Overland Park Med. Center. Jimmy was well known and loved by many throughout the city. His Irish good humor and sunny disposition will be missed by all. Jimmy was born July 13, 1920 in KC the son of Anna and James Hughes. He grew up in the city and served in the US Navy during WWII. He was serving aboard the USS Pillsbury when it captured the German Submarine U-505, which has been prominently displayed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry for many years. After the war he lived in New York where he attended Columbia University and worked for This Week magazine. He loved Broadway and even attempted his hand at writing a play. Unfortunately "The Forties, the Forties" never did make it to the Great White Way. After his dad died, Jimmy moved back to KC where he worked for Parker McCrory Manufacturing until his retirement. Although Jim never owned a car or even had a driver's license he could be found all over town. On a Sunday it wasn't unusual for him to walk from his downtown apartment to Stroud's for lunch and back downtown. When time didn't permit walking he was a frequent rider of the ATA. However he got there people were glad to see him both for his knowledge of the world and his endless good cheer. Surely the Pearly Gates have been swung wide open for Jimmy Hughes. There will be a visitation and memorial service for Jimmy on Wednesday, August 31, from 2-3 p.m. at the Kansas City Funeral Directors, 4880 Shawnee Drive, KCK 66106. (913-262-6310). Published in the Kansas City Star on 8/30/2005.

JOHN R. WIEDENMANN, SR.

John R. Wiedenmann, Sr., 77, Kansas City, MO, spent his final three years at the Garden Terrace of Overland Park. A victim of Alzheimer's, he passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005. Visitation will be on Tuesday, Jan. 25th, from 5-7 p.m., at Mt. Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home, I-435 and Holmes Rd. John was born Oct. 14, 1927, in Kansas City, MO. He was the son of George R. and Myrle (Hutton) Wiedenmann, descendents of a pioneer family that came from Germany and settled in Westport in 1854. The Wiedenmann family members were property and business owners that helped in the development of Westport. He entertained many with stories and history about his Grandfather's "store building" that is now Kelly's Westport Inn. It gave him great pleasure to know that the building is now owned by the Kelly family who continue to operate their business in the Westport tradition. John attended Allen Elementary School, Westport High School, Missouri Valley and Rockhurst Colleges. He was a member of the Telephone Co. Pioneers, the Boy Scouts of America, the Tribe of the Mic-O'Say, and assisted with the Sea Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. John served as a Seabee in the Navy during WWII, until his honorable discharge in August 1946. He continued serving in the Naval Reserve with yearly two week tours of duty aboard ship until his discharge in Oct. 1960. He started his career with Western Electric in 1947, then transferred to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he remained for 35 years until he retired in 1983. He considered it an honor to have meet President Harry Truman when he oversaw installation of a phone system that was provided for the President and his entourage during the President's stay at Research Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pat; his son, John Wiedenmann Jr., and wife Debbie; his daughter, Marty Gunion, and her husband, Jack, of AZ; four grandchildren, Chris Wiedenmann, and wife, Amy, Jeffrey Wiedenmann, Kevin Wiedenmann, and Melanie McLaughlin, of New York; one great-grandson, Connor Christian Wiedenmann; brother, George R. Wiedenmann, and wife Laura; twin sister, Jean (Mrs. Jack) Sanderson; and his beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the Staff at Garden Terrace of Overland Park for providing John and his family with their outstanding and loving care. Family requests no flowers; Donations would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association. (Arr; Mt. Moriah and Freeman 816-942-2004)
Published in the Kansas City Star from 1/24/2005 - 1/26/2005.

Dr. Martin Docherty plays the pipes with Elliott's friends.

ELLIOTT V. FOULDS

Elliott V. Foulds, 66, of Overland Park, KS, died July 30, 2002, at his home. Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2002, at Muehlebach Funeral Home. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Cremation. No flowers. The family thanks the Renal Group at KU Medical Center. Elliott is survived by devoted friend, Mary, and furry friend, Jock, a brother, Garreth Foulds, and two nieces. (Arr.: Muehlebach Funeral Home)

MICHAEL DANIEL LEAHY

Michael Leahy, 54, of Kansas City, MO, passed away peacefully at his home, April 30, 2002. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 3, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 26th and Gillham. Private burial. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, at the church, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Welcome House, 1414 E. 27th St., Kansas City, MO 64108. Michael lived life to the fullest. In his youth, he attended Visitation Grade School and graduated from Rockhurst High School. School came easy for Michael and he excelled in history- absorbing historical facts and dates that would support his generous personality in years to come. During young adulthood Michael faced personal challenges. When asked later in life what helped him during this difficult time, he said, "Two things helped me." First. "My friends, especially the Kelly family, were always there for me, believed in me, and never gave up on me." Second. "I knew that when I died, I wanted others to remember me as a good person- a person who had made a difference." In 1982, Michael became Executive Director of Welcome House, a home for recovering alcoholics, serving over 400 men each year. Michael worked tirelessly to help others. He worked with the Board of Directors to grow Welcome House, acquiring land, expanding services and raising funds. Most importantly, Welcome House succeeded in fulfilling its mission. Michael was a member of many organizations and boards, the listing of which, would not be indicative of his true spirit and soul. Michael was a complex person. Although he appeared tough, he had a gentle spirit. He was proud of Welcome House, but he was humble and gave others credit for its success. He was a spiritual person. He was a teacher, a counselor and a friend. Michael dedicated his life to helping others. Much of what Michael accomplished will only be known by God and those he helped. He is loved by all of his family and friends. He will be remembered for being a real human being - a man for others. Michael was preceded in death by his father, William James Leahy. He is survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Leahy; his dearest friend, Judy Janes; his brother, William James Leahy Jr.; his sisters, Mary Helen Mullaney of Washington, D.C., Martha Staker and her husband, Rodd and Elizabeth Heinsohn and her husband, Rodney; and nine nieces and nephews. (Arrangements: McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood, Kansas City, MO (816) 753-6200)

GERARD B. A. SEYMOUR

Gerard (Gerry) B.A. Seymour was born June 18, 1927, and he died April 22, 2002. He was Honorary Vice Consul, Emeritus, for the United Kingdom and a member of the Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City. Gerry was born and raised in London, England. He attended St. Mary's School, Southampton, England, and gained a diploma from Westminster College, London. Gerry then served in His Majesty's Army in postwar Germany. Gerry was a leading light in the Young Conservatives in England. Gerry came to the United States in 1960. He worked in New York, then joined the diplomatic corps with Her Majesty's Foreign Service; he served in Kansas City, then was posted to St. Louis. He later returned to Kansas City to make his home here. Gerry worked for the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and he was the first Director of the Chamber's International Department. He also worked for Townsend Newspapers and Berry World Travel, and was Past President of the Kansas City International Trade Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Sister Cities Program, and he was a member of the Kansas City International Relations Council. Gerry was a writer, producer and host of the Kansas City International Hour Radio Program on Talk Radio 710 AM. He had also worked for the Power 95 Morning Show as the character "Henry Bergdorf Bloomingdale." In addition, he did voice work for television and radio commercials. For the last five years, he had been the QuizMaster at the Pub Quiz at O'Dowds Pub on the Plaza. Gerry was a player with the Esher Rugby Football Club in England, and from that time forward he had a great love for the sport of rugby. He introduced rugby to Kansas City and the western United States. He was founder and most recently served as Past President, Emeritus, of the Kansas City Rugby Football Club; he was also Past President, Emeritus, of the Kansas City Rugby Football Union. He was founder of the Western Rugby Football Union, which is responsible for administering the game in 13 states. Gerry was also a founding father of the United States of American Rugby Football Union, which represents the USA in international games all over the world. Gerry was a founder and player with the Optimists Cricket Club in London, England. He was also a member of the Marleybone Cricket Club (MCC), London, England. He was cofounder and player with the Kansas City Cricket Club. Gerry had a lifelong fascination with British railroads, particularly steam locomotives, and he was a member of the Great Western Society. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Francis Seymour and Elizabeth O'Rourke Seymour. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth M. Hayes (and her husband, Michael), and Alanna F. Seymour; two grandsons, Colin Hayes and Matthew Hayes; and his former wife, Sara Housel. Gerry's friends (with the consent of the family) suggests contributions payable as follows: Country Club Bank (reference Gerard Seymour Memorial Fund), P.O. Box 410889, Kansas City, MO 64141- 0889, ATTN: Sherry Barthol, to defray funeral and memorial expenses; and with the remainder of the funds to be divided between Cancer Action of Kansas City and Odyssey Hospice. Gerry was a member of St. Therese Parish. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 401 Main, Parkville, MO 64152, with the Scripture Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Therese North Catholic Church, 7207 N.W. Highway 9, Parkville, MO 64152. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO.