Richard Gudenkauf

"VIEW VIDEO"

Richard Lee Gudenkauf of Harrisonville, Missouri was born September 19, 1941 the son of Maurice and Lena (Boeding) Gudenkauf in Corning, Kansas. He lived his life in a such a gentle, quiet manner and departed this life in the same way, surrounded by his family on November 4, 2011 at his home in Harrisonville, Missouri at the age of 70.
Richard grew up on a farm near Corning, Kansas. He lost his Mother as a teenager, but grew up with 3 brothers and a sister. He often talked about the fun they had doing simple things. They worked hard and played hard, and had affection for one another that very few families share. He often “bragged” about being valedictorian of his class, forgetting to mention that there were only 13 members in his graduating class. After graduation, he went to Wichita Technical Institute.
He was united in marriage on November 17, 1962 to Charlotte Mary Dick in Dodge City, Kansas only knowing her 3 months after meeting on a blind date. They would be celebrating 49 years of marriage this month.
Richard earned his living working as a Data Processing Supervisor for AT&T for 30 years, retiring in 1989, but his real job was raising 4 rambunctious kids. He took this job very seriously. He was interested in whatever his family was interested in. He coached baseball, softball, and soccer. He went to piano recitals, horse shows, 4-H meetings, and anything we were involved in. There was not a single time that he was not sitting in the stands cheering us on. He had a gentle spirit that inspired us all to be our best. He never raised his voice or hands to us, but could teach a life lesson out of any situation with kindness and compassion. He continued his passion for his family as his grandkids came along. He loved each one of them for their uniqueness and individuality.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic church in Harrisonville, Missouri. He valued his relationship with God above everything else. He was a spiritual man that lived his life by example. He was very involved in Marriage Encounter during the time they lived in Shawnee. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus organization, and his crowning achievement was becoming a member of the fourth degree.
Richard and Mary lived many places during their marriage, from Dodge City, Kansas to Shawnee, Kansas, Creighton, Missouri and Branson, finally ending up in Harrisonville, Missouri. They made friends wherever they went and kept in touch with everyone they met over the years. Richard had many loves in his life, he loved the K-State Wildcats, with the Harrisonville Wildcats football team a close second.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rose Marie Gudenkauf, October 6, 1963.
Richard is survived by his wife, Mary Gudenkauf of the home; four children, Tom Gudenkauf and wife Elizabeth, Webster Groves, Missouri, Teresa Duncan and husband Steve, Harrisonville, Missouri, Connie Wheeler and husband Ralph, Garden City, Missouri, Kay Murray and husband Matt, Harrisonville, Missouri; 6 grandchildren; three brothers, Donnie Gudenkauf, Onaga, Kansas, Roger Gudenkauf, Denver, Colorado, Ken Gudenkauf, Topeka, Kansas; a sister, Mary Ellen Rusche, Seneca, Kansas.
Richard has left a heart print on everyone that knew him and will never be forgotten, only greatly missed.
Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Harrisonville, Missouri.
Graveside service was held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Corning, Kansas.
Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Corning, KS Memorial Fund. %Mary Gudenfauf, 1705 Prairie Lane, Harrisonville, MO 64701