It is with peace, yet a sense of great loss that we share the passing of Peter Charles Taschler on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. At home, tended by his loving family, it was precisely as he wanted this chapter to end.
Everyone who knew Pete knew he cherished his best friend and wife Mickey (Jeanine) who preceded him in death far too soon (2005). He overcame his sense of loss and continued to fully engage life, dedicated to God and the family they had created. As always, a loving father and endless fan of his kids Mike (Gayle), Keith (Bobbie Jo), and Sherri Donaldson (John).
His influence expanded with time as a proud grandfather and life mentor to James (Diana), Matthew (Chieko), Paula (Michael), Libby (Scott), Colin, Logan (Hannah), Erica, and Meredith; and eight great grandchildren: Colleen, Melanie, Caitlin, Xavier, Luca, Tucker, Maggie, and Lily.
Peter C. Taschler's life journey began November 17, 1924 in St. Louis, MO. Born at home, he held that special spot in his mother’s heart as the youngest of six. He enjoyed early athletic success and some scout attention in amateur baseball, competing and winning a City championship with team members that did see MLB action. Yet he would tell you the absolute highlight of his youth came on a Saturday in May when he met an Irish girl named Mickey.
Like his father, Pete was a staunch advocate of education. He used an acumen for numbers, aka baseball stats, to develop a talent in accountancy. His early expertise was noticed, leading to a corporate transfer and move to the Kansas City area. Pete and Mickey rented a modest home in the Shawnee of the mid-fifties. That choice became a lifetime community and parish affiliation. Foregoing another transfer opportunity, Pete found two other accounting career roles in downtown KC to keep a dream alive and build a family in St. Joseph’s Parish of Shawnee.
Early on, Pete made ends meet doing after hour administrative and accounting work for small independent businesses or organizations. That work and reputation for quality grew to compete for hours in the workday. Pete found himself at a cross roads. So, with some “build it and they will come” courage and Mickey’s support, Pete walked away from one career and launched Taschler’s Business Services in a Shawnee storefront. The rest is history. Spanning over fifty years and a name change, Taschler & Associates, Inc. became recognized as a premier provider of independent business accounting services and individual tax preparation in Shawnee and surrounding communities. Iconic local brands were in the client list. Some would fondly comment on his “early” retirement at 90.
Beyond family, Shawnee and St. Joseph’s Parish were the special priorities for Pete and Mickey. Pete served in Shawnee as Ward 2 councilman. The Optimist and American Legion Youth Baseball programs also got his attention. Along with Mickey he brought focus and fund raising energy to the Early Education Center at St. Joseph. Pete was active in the Knights of Columbus with service leading to Fourth Degree eligibility. Pete and Mickey genuinely loved the St. Joe community. You could find them in a variety of Parish events. They were known to do a cake walk or two with their grandkids.
To say Pete was an AVID baseball fan is classic understatement. His recall of the Saint Louis Browns lineup was legendary. Armed with an MLB network subscription late in life, Pete was set up with the capacity for watching ballgame after ballgame in his favorite recliner. Yes, he could cheer on his KC Royals through thick and thin. He experienced the joy of seeing the Royals win a second World Series in 2015. Secretly he wished it was another I-70 Series win against the St. Louis Cardinals, so they could "finally stop the whining about their 1985 World Series loss."
While he claims to have NEVER been a Cardinals fan, his grandkids have a picture or two that suggest otherwise.
Pete embodied unconditional love. A genuine and kind-hearted soul as ever was. His wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were treasures in his eyes. He made sure everyone was taken care of. Whether it was with a glass of orange juice and some cereal in the morning, a pep talk when feeling down ("Did you try your best?” If so, move on.), or advice on a big life choice, you could expect an honest opinion. He was always a caregiver and taught us so many lessons, but first and foremost, family is everything.
Even as his body failed, Pete could rise with, “Another day, Another dollar”. He felt he had lived a blessed and full 97 years. We'll always remember him. He wove that special place in our hearts, love without judgement. Across generations we were truly blessed to have had this much time with him.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the Amos Family Chapel, 10901 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203 on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 6 to 8:00 p.m. where a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral Service & Mass will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, located at 11311 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203 on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to proceed at Saint Joseph Cemetery located at 61st and Quivira Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203
For those who prefer memorial donations in memory of Pete we suggest those be made to the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Early Education Center, Shawnee, KS.
Events
Funeral Ceremony
Start Date: December 22, 2021, 10:00 am
End Date: December 22, 2021, 11:00 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church
11311 Johnson Dr.
Shawnee, KS 66203
Phone: 913-631-5983
Rosary
Start Date: December 21, 2021, 6:00 pm
End Date: December 21, 2021, 6:30 pm
Amos Family Funeral Home
10901 Johnson Dr.
Shawnee, KS 66203
Phone: 913-631-5566
Visitation
Start Date: December 21, 2021, 6:00 pm
End Date: December 21, 2021, 8:00 pm
Amos Family Funeral Home
10901 Johnson Dr.
Shawnee, KS 66203
Phone: 913-631-5566
Final Resting Place
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery
61st & Quivira Rd.
Shawnee, KS