Melvin Harold “Mel” Stutheit

Melvin Harold Stutheit, age 78, of Shawnee Kansas went to his heavenly home on February 6, 2014 at KU Medical Center following a nine year battle with chronic lymphatic leukemia.

Mel was born on April 26, 1935 to Harold and Lena (Grauerholz) Stutheit in Smith County Kansas. He received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on May 23, 1935, his baptism sponsors were his uncles, Fritz and Carl Grauerholz and confessed his faith at his confirmation on April 10, 1949 at St. John Lutheran Church, Kensington, Kansas.

Mel served his country during the Korean War in the US Army from March 25,1954 to January 30, 1956. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.

On May 21, 1956 Mel married his high school sweetheart, Joan Evon Kirchhoff of Athol, Kansas. The Lord entrusted them with a daughter and three sons. They were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage in May of 2006 before Joan’s passing on September 26, 2006.

Mel was a successful insurance agent who worked with Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance for forty years, retiring in April of 2002. Mel loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and attending their many activities. Mel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who always placed others before himself. Mel was very outgoing and always extended a hand to all he met. Enjoying all sports was a pastime of Mel’s but KU Jayhawk basketball topped the list.

Mel was preceded in death by his wife Joan Stutheit, parents, brother Leland Stutheit and granddaughter Morgan McDowell.

Left to treasure his memory include daughter Melva McDowell and husband Marc of Overland Park, Kansas; Rodney Stutheit and wife Lori of Overland Park, Kansas; Steven Stutheit and wife Paula of Shawnee, Kansas and Phillip Stutheit and wife Tina of Lenexa. Kansas. Special “Lady Friend” Leda Berry-Butel of Lenexa, Kansas. Grandchildren include Morgan McDowell (deceased), Matthew McDowell, Cody Stutheit, Madeline Stutheit, Katie Stutheit, Patrick Stutheit, Keevin and Kylee Stutheit, Grace Stutheit, Eli Stutheit, step grandaughter Jackie Hughes and step great-grandaughter Payton Hughes. Brother Marvin Stutheit and wife Phoebe of Norton, Kansas; sister Lela Eller and husband Gary of Hays, Kansas; sister-in-law Sandra Stutheit of Waverly, Nebraska, sister, Helen DaVatz of Olathe, Kansas and an aunt, Esther Norden of Kensington, Kansas.

A visitation will be held 4pm-6pm on Monday, February 10, 2014 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 9101 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas. Funeral service will be at 1pm on TuesdayFebruary 11, 2014 also at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, 9101 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66207.