John Patrick Mcmenemy

John Patrick McMenemy Jr, 79, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022 in his own home.  He died surrounded by his family and his wife, Monica, of 56 years of marriage.

John was born in Kansas City, MO to his full-blooded Irish father John P. McMenemy Sr. and his full-blooded Russian mother Leona McMenemy (Gorzik).  He graduated from Rockhurst High School with his 2 best friends since kindergarten.  John, Phil Lucido and Gary Boroughf were the dynamic trio and raised hell together many years after graduation.  After 3 years of college, he then decided to start his career at Hallmark cards.  In addition to his career at Hallmark he proudly served his country as a member of the Kansas National Guard.  For eight years he served his country, state and community as a member of the Kansas National Guard’s 69 Infantry Light Brigade.  He helped his community in time of natural disasters and defended his fellow Kansans during the Civil Rights Riots in Kansas City.  In 1968 his unit answered the nations call to go to Viet Nam, but by the grace of God he stayed state side.  He retired from Hallmark Cards after 38 years where he worked with his best friend Doug Thorton.  Doug trained him to be a machinist and together they were responsible for designing and building the puzzle machine at Kaleidoscope in Crown Center.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 6 years with his son.  As a member he achieved Order of the Arrow; was inducted to the Tribe of Mic-O-Say; and was wood badge trained.  During this time John and Monica met longtime friends Dick and Nancy Meuten.

He was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed remodeling the house and maintaining a pristine lawn.  He built a spaceship for his son, a dream playhouse for his daughter, upgraded that playhouse for his grandson and made sure his wife got the kitchen and dining room she always wanted.  You would think after 50 years of home remodeling he would have finished the house, however, there is still one room without molding.

He is survived by his wife Monica L. McMenemy; his son John Patrick McMenemy III and his wife Kristin McMenemy; his daughter Nannette M. Keezer and her husband Kyle Keezer; his only grandson Ryan M. Smith; a very special niece Liz Butler and her husband Tyler Butler; his great nephew Benny Butler; and his 1963 Studebaker Avanti.

Family and Friends are invited to the home to celebrate his life Saturday April 9th at 12:00 p.m.