James Eugene (Gene) Kanatzar, loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather passed away peacefully on October 13, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A visitation will be held on October 20, 2022, at 9am, followed by a rosary at 9:40am, and Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at the Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th Street, Overland Park, Kansas. A luncheon will be held immediately following the mass at Brookridge Country Club 8223 W. 103rd St. Overland Park, KS The service will be live-streamed at www.kcascension.org. Scroll down to live-stream location.
On December 19, 1932, Gene was born to Emmett and Mary Kanatzar (Heaney) in
Kansas City, Kansas, the youngest of four siblings, Harold, Jack, Robert and Sue (McElligott). Gene graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1951, where he excelled in athletics. He furthered his education at Rockhurst College on an athletic basketball scholarship. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
In 1959, Gene married Myra (Kane) at Blessed Sacrament Church. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Together they raised four children, Mary Glaser (Tom), Maureen Mauer (David), James (Jill Arlene), and Jeffrey (Jill Anne). Gene
selflessly dedicated his life to his family. Through his unconditional love, he showed them what
it means to be a husband, father, grandfather, and the all-time greatest father-in-law.
Gene was known for his compassion. He went out of his way to be kind to everyone he
encountered. He truly loved and was loved by everyone he met. His sincere personality shined
bright, leaving him with a life full of many great friends.
Gene was a natural salesman. He was a distributor for the Radio Corporation of America
(RCA) during the advent of the television age. For 28 years, he was the Regional Sales Manager
for the Cascade Corporation of Portland, Oregon.
Gene loved to play sports. After his college career, he was a respected handball player,
where he made many lifelong friends. He was also a member of Brookridge Country Club,
where he played golf late into his life, again making many great friends along the way. Always
putting family first, Gene spent countless hours coaching and mentoring his children and
grandchildren in life lessons, sports, sportsmanship, interviews, and careers.
Gene had many nicknames: Gene-o, Big Guy, Shadow, and his personal favorite
“Bobby,” used by his grandchildren. His likes included the Royals, Chiefs, college basketball,
sleeping in his own bed, a highball followed by ice cream in the empty glass, and his blue leather
recliner. His only dislikes were business trips away from home and dirty cars. Gene was a proud
“Dotte” and loved to tell people he was from “LA” (Lower Armourdale).
Gene was a devout Catholic. During his life he was an active member of St. Thomas,
Christ the King, Holy Cross, and Ascension Parishes. He was a regular volunteer at Hospitality
House, feeding Kansas City’s homeless. Gene truly exemplified the Christian virtues in both
words and actions.
Gene is survived by his wife Myra, four children, nine grandchildren: Michael (Jenna)
and Alex Mauer; William and Samuel Kanatzar; Katherine, Joseph and Timothy Glaser;
Nicholas and Lily Kanatzar; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
The family is very grateful to Dr. Vincent Lem of St. Luke’s Hospital for his wonderful
compassionate care. Donations may be made in Gene’s honor to St. Luke’s
Foundation—Pulmonary Department.
Gene will be greatly missed but I am blessed to have known him and cherish all my fond memories. My prayers and love go out to all the family and know that Gene is at peace in heaven!
Love,
Anne Schultz
I am so sorry for your loss. Gene was a great guy. I am praying for the whole family and sending love from my family to yours.
Myra & family, Jim and I send our most heartfelt sympathies to all. We thought the utmost of Gene…what a dear dear man. With our prayers, the Henderson’s
He was a really Great Guy and an even Better Example. God Bless 🙏🏼
“Lived and Laughed and Loved and Left”
(James Joyce)
Sending all my love, prayers, and condolences to the entire Kanatzar family. I truly loved being in Genes presence and feel blessed to be in his company at some of the family get togethers. He was the kindest person, the best husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered.❤️🙏
At Cascade gatherings, Myra and Gene were the most fun couple in the room. Because of his elegant bearing and twinkle, Gene’s nickname was “The Senator”. What a delight to have Gene so prominent in our lives. Sleep well, O good and faithful servant.
Gene was a wonderful guy and a joy to work with over the years . . .also a great story teller. He will be missed by many.
BIU
One of my favorite feelings in life is laughing with someone and realizing half way through realizing how much you enjoy them and their existence…that is how I remember Gene…a truly nice man.
He was a wonderful man, always so kind. He and your family are in our prayers. God bless you all. The O’Kiefs
Gene was a great guy!!! So sorry Prayers to the family!! Donna and Dick Scherzer
Not a nicer person was ever born. I recall with joy all of the handball games and beers afterwards.
What a darling guy. Great neighbor and wonderful couple. Our thoughts are with Myra and the whole family. We are here for you Myra and will continue our very enjoyable relationship .
My condolences to all the family.
It was my privilege to cross paths at work. I will fondly remember those instances.
Hang on to all the memories you’ve stored up which will eventually turn from pain to joy.
Gene is home with the Lord and will welcome you again.