Frank Edward (Dutch) Lichtenauer passed away on The Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2014, at Santa Marta Retirement Village in Olathe Kansas.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Margaret (Margie) Lichtenauer in 1992. Until the day he passed away, Frank considered Margie to be "the best part of earth". He is also survived by four sons: Frank Lichtenauer (Nancy), Thomas Lichtenauer (Patty), William Lichtenauer (Sharon) and James Lichtenauer (Cindy). Frank also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Frank was born on April 7th, 1928, to Joseph and Mary Lichtenauer in Kansas City Missouri. He was preceded in death by five brothers Joseph Lichtenauer (Bernice), Robert Lichtenauer (Virginia), John Lichtenauer (Elizabeth), George Lichtenauer (Helen), William Lichtenauer (Sylvia) and one sister Helen Nunnink (Walter). He is survived by a brother Charles Lichtenauer of Shawnee and his wife Dee Anna.

The U.S. Army sent Frank to Japan during the Korean War where he served from 1950 to 1952. Upon his return to Shawnee, Frank served as a volunteer fireman for the Township of Shawnee for 13 years.

Frank played a major role in building a strong foundation for Catholic education in Johnson County from the 1960's through the 1980's having served as chairman of the St. Joseph Parish Council, the president of St. Joseph Grade School, St. Joseph High School & Aquinas High School. He was also a leader of the St. Joseph High School Booster Club. He was recognized in 1992 at the annual St. Joseph Dinner Dance for his decades of service to the Catholic community. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 67 years.

In addition to coaching his sons in little league, Frank spent countless hours attending school and sporting events in which his sons participated. Later in life he enjoyed his grandchildren's school, sporting and dance events.

Frank retired from Southwestern Bell in 1987 with 41 years of service. He is a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. After his retirement, he spent 20 years as a Marshall at St. Andrews Golf Course in Overland Park and singing in the Resurrection Choir at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee. Frank spent his later years enjoying new friends and daily mass at Santa Marta.

Visitation and Funeral Mass

Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee Kansas on Thursday, March 20 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, rosary to be said at 7:15 PM. Funeral services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, March 21 at 10:00 AM, burial at St. Joseph Cemetery immediately following the mass.

Memorial Contributions

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School at 11505 Johnson Drive, Shawnee Kansas 66203.