Francis Alfred Unrein

Francis Alfred Unrein, age 90, passed away peacefully with his beloved, Bernice, by his side on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, in Overland Park, KS.

Francis was born on May 8, 1927, to Dr. Gerard and Marguerite (Roberts) Unrein in Hays, KS. After graduating from St. Joseph Military Academy in 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in World War II. Upon his return from military service, Francis enrolled at the University of Kansas and earned his pharmacy degree in 1952.

Most notably, Francis married the love of his life, Bernice Amelia (Ruder), on June 7, 1948, in Hays, and recently celebrated 69 years of marriage. To this union brought four children Keith (Sandy), Overland Park, Marybeth (Warren) Harwick, Ft. Worth, TX, Kevin (Jyl) Chanute, KS, and Robin (David) Hagedorn, Mission, KS.

Upon graduation, pharmacy job opportunities in Norton and Oakley brought Francis and Bernice back to North Central Kansas and eventually resulted in the purchase of their very own store, Unrein Pharmacy, in Plainville, KS, their home for the next 59 years. Francis and Bernice owned and operated Unrein Pharmacy until Francis’ retirement in 1991 when they sold their business to son, Keith, and daughter-in-law, Sandy. His proudest accomplishment was his family’s 58 years of healthcare service to Plainville and surrounding communities.

Throughout his life, Francis was an active member of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Sacred Heart Catholic Parish. Prior to his declining health, you could often find Francis on the golf course, gardening, manning his Hasty Bake, sipping the occasional VO and water or monopolizing the shrimp cocktail platter. He had an unmistakable mischievous grin that tended to appear upon hearing an inappropriate joke or witnessing someone else’s inappropriate behavior. He was a devoted fan of the KU Jayhawks and even gave his two sons KU initials. He loved his family, his faith and his friends, but Bernice was always his number one.

Francis was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Gerard Unrein, Louis Unrein and Dr. Robert Unrein, and son-in-law, Alan McClure. He is survived by his wife, Bernice, Overland Park; their four children and spouses, brothers Philip Unrein, Viera, FL, George Unrein, Topeka, and Edward Unrein, Overland Park, sister, Marguerite Houchins, Overland Park, and many extended relatives. Francis was a loving “Papa” to his grandchildren Lindsay (Jonathan) McPhail, Fairway, KS, Kelly (Drew) Nicholls, Dallas, TX, and Spencer (Erin) McClure, Ft. Worth. He was also the proud “Great Papa” of great grandsons, Kai and Keiran McPhail.

A wake service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Curè of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas 66206, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Plainville Ambassador Club Memorial PO Box 99
Plainville, KS 67663 or to the Anderson Memorial Park specifically for a US Navy metal art bench, C/O Signature Funerals. Condolences may be sent in care of Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Rd. Kansas City, Mo. 64114. 816-214-5174. www.cathyb6.sg-host.com.