John E. Kanatzar

John E. (Jack) Kanatzar, 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the home of his son Larry and daughter in law Bobbi on December 12, 2008.

Jack always proud to be born on Flag Day, was born June 14, 1927, to Emmett and Mary (Heaney) Kanatzar. Jack was very proud of his service to his country in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Presque Isle and the USS Namakagon and in the Korean War on the USS Magoffin. He was honorably discharged in 1951. Jack enjoyed a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. and retired on November 5, 1981. In early retirement Jack enjoyed fishing with friends and gardening. Jack displayed great knowledge of how things worked and how to fix them.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Jo, mother of his children, wife Diane, brother Harold, sister Mary (Sue) McElligott, and a great-grandson Blake Kanatzar. He is survived by his children Mary Beth and Charles Peters, Kansas City, KS; Jack Jr. and Linda Kanatzar, Shawnee, KS; Larry and Bobbi Kanatzar, Pomona, KS; Theresa and Bill Mentzer, Olathe, KS; two brothers, Bob Kanatzar and wife Peggy, Bella vista, AR; Gene Kanatzar and wife Myra, Overland Park, KS; and 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The family is thankful for the compassion and support of Midland Hospice, Ottawa, Kansas.

Graveside Services

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.