John Clayton Gudenkauf

Feb 13, 2018 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2018 | 17 comments

John Clayton Gudenkauf, 74 of Leawood, KS passed away February 7, in Palm Springs, California.
Born in February 1943, in Kansas City, MO, to John and Emma (Skoch) Gudenkauf. John graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1960. He went onto have a successful career in the car business. In 1979 he purchased Louisburg Ford, in Louisburg Kansas. He was a proud successor to his son Jason, who currently runs the business. John enjoyed golfing, playing cards, traveling and had a love for fast cars. In his younger years he was an accomplished bowler, and a shark at the pool table. He was a lot of fun to be around, always looking for opportunities to pull a practical joke on someone. He loved a healthy debate and discussing current events with anyone as up to date as he was. John was an intelligent, kind and loyal person, that will be missed by so many.

John is survived by his son Jason (Christy) of Overland Park, KS; daughter Anne Smith (Graham) of Leawood, KS; sister Jane Kemper (Mike) of Overland Park, KS; five grandchildren Isabelle, Lucy, Ted, Allison and Carly, nieces Kristie Feese, Katie Pearlstrom, Jamie Gudenkauf and nephew Christopher Gudenkauf.
Preceded in death by his brother James.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday February 23 at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W 127th St. Overland Park, KS 66213. Visitation prior to the Mass 9:00am.
Signature Funerals has been entrusted with final arrangements.
Memorial contributions are suggested to: American Cancer Society. Assistance by Funeral Advocates.

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Grant Rust

5 years ago

My love and condolences to all of John’s family and friends. John ‘Mad-Dog’ Gudenkauf was always fun to be around. I especially thank him for introducing me to Jack’s Stack BBQ while I was a poor and hungry KSU Student with his kids. His memory will live on in his Kids and grandkids.

Blessings, Grant

Tim & Kathy Dillon

5 years ago

To the Smith & Gudenkauf

Our sincere sympathy on your dad’s death. I remember him as humorous, and loving letter from Mattie Brown, his beautiful blue eyes and his offer to buy you a watch. May he rest in peace

Per Wold Lindqvist

5 years ago

Dear Dad ( my US Dad). Thanks for all the good times We shared together. You and your family has / is A very important part of my life. You amd Mom opened your house and shared your life and family with me for A year back in 1985, for this I will be forever greatfull today I have two families. You inspired me to become A salesman and showed me the good life. You will always be A part of my life may you rest in peace. Love your Danish son Per.

Dave Kemp

5 years ago

I’ve been at Louisburg Ford for the last 12 years and had the privilege to work for John. John didn’t come around that much but it was always good to see him roll in the store in his Ferrari shoes, sunglasses, cigar and smile. My only regret was the day I rode shotgun in his Ford GT, still have nightmares. My heart goes out to his entire family. He will be forever missed.

Rest in Peace John Gudenkauf!!

Sheri and Mike Francis

5 years ago

Prayers for peace and comfort Gudenkauf family. A beautiful obituary that reminded me of Jason!

Sue Bethe Harari

5 years ago

Ann, Jason and families. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. So very sorry for these troubling times you’re enduring.

Jill kapple

5 years ago

Thinking of you, Anne. I am so sorry for your loss. I jhave fond memories of your Dad and staying at his house for a while. He was always such a sweetie to me! We love you and are mourning with you. Sending you our love and praying for comfort and peace.

Brian and Melissa Mills

5 years ago

So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family in this challenging time.

Cyndy Wilson

5 years ago

So sorry for your loss, Jason
I know how hard it is to lose your dad. Prayers for him and for all of you. Uncle Craig and Aunt Cyndy.

John Higgins

5 years ago

Jason and Annie , Susie and I are truly saddened at the sudden passing of John .the gudenkauf family was an awesome next door neighbor for the 10 plus years you were here. He will be missed by many friends, including us.

Rest In Peace , John ,…on the golf course.

Elaine and Ted Stein

5 years ago

Elaine and Ted Stein have known John since 1973. His daughter Anne and our daughter Jessica were born around the same time. John worked at Don Stein Buick and moved on to be a very successful car dealer. We remained close friends even though we moved to California. He was always so proud of his children and grandchildren. What a great picture of John. It shows his happiness, success and mischievousness. He always ended a conversation with “Love You.” See you in the great golf course in the sky. Elaine and Ted Stein

Sacramenta Landrum

5 years ago

My deepest condolences to the Clayton family and friends for the loss of your loved one John. In God’s word the Bible is a wonderful promise for the loved ones we have lost in death to be fulfilled very soon right here on a brand new Paradise Earth by his son Jesus Christ it will give you hope and comfort during this difficult time Acts 24:15; John 5: 28,29; Revelation 21: 1-5.

Mary Jo (JoJo) Borel

5 years ago

Jason, Annie & families, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember him and his big laugh so fondly. I know he was so very proud of all of you. Let all the good memories you have let him stay alive in your hearts forever. Thoughts & prayers to everyone at this very difficult time. May John’s Heaven be a great golf course!

Steve and DeNeese Barclay

5 years ago

Jason and Annie

I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember a lot of good times around our house with him and all of you.
Sorry to miss the service. I’m out of town.

Rick Honeyman

5 years ago

Jason,
I am very sorry for your loss. John and I both purchased Ford dealerships in 1979 and attended many Ford functions together. His grin and chuckle were a good a match for his humorous personality. He put a spark in my walk every time we talked. We will all miss him.

Rick Honeyman, Seneca Kansas

Doug Bowes

5 years ago

Condolences to the entire Gudenkauf family from all of us at Crown Realty. Doug Bowes

Katie

5 years ago

Sending my love. I look forward to celebrating his life with everyone & seeing you soon. xo

Kind Words

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MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

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Marchia

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The Abram Family

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Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

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Bill B.

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Elaine

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Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

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