REV. DR. EMERSON I. "ABBEY" ABENDROTH

1921 - 2013

ABENDROTH The Rev. Dr. Emerson I. "Abbey" Abendroth, 92, Overland Park, KS passed away October 30, 2013. Emerson I. Abendroth was the son of Irvin and Ethel Abendroth. He was born in Cambria, Wisconsin June 22, 1921 where he spent his early years. He graduated from Cambria High School. He had a B.A. degree from Carroll College, a B.D. degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, an M.A. and ED.D. from Columbia University/ Union Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian Minister by Madison Presbytery in 1945. He was commissioned as a U.S. Navy Chaplain and served in both the Navy and Marine Corps, the latter in China. He married Juliann Davies in 1945 and they have been married more than 68 years. He dearly loved his family and his home. After his Navy Chaplaincy, he began an extended career in ministry in higher education - in 1947 he was appointed the first Dean of Chapel at Millikin University, Decatur Illinois, in 1954, the Presbyterian University Pastor at Kansas State University, in 1961, a Presbyterian member of the national staff for United Ministries in Higher Education. From 1977 until retirement in 1987 he served as an interim pastor, an interim Executive Presbytery in San Antonio, Texas, and as Associate executive of the Synod of Mid-America. From 1976- 1981 he served, by appointment of the Governor of Kansas, as Chairman of the Employment Security Board of Review for the State of Kansas. In retirement he and his wife provided leadership for Retirement Planning Seminars for the Presbyterian Board of Pensions. He was an adjunct professor at McCormick Theological Seminary as a thesis advisor in the Doctor of Ministry program for 10 years. He also provided educational leadership in Heartland Presbytery and Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church. He was an avid sailor, gardener, reader and bridge player, and lover of music. He rang bells in the Rolling Hills Bell Choir for many years. He truly enjoyed this. He is survived by his wife, Julie, sons David and wife Martha of Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Bob and wife Deborah of Leawood, Kansas; two grandsons, Benjamin and wife Tracy and Brian and wife Chelsea of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; and three great-grandchildren, Cole, Cami and Chase who were the joy of his life. It has been Abbey's wish since 1983 that his body be bequeathed to the School of Medicine of The University of Kansas, Dept. of Anatomy. Our family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the Staff at Bickford Assisted Living for their outstanding care and support. Carolyn, Abbey's Nurse, has been especially caring and helpful. We also appreciate the help that Care Alternatives Hospice has given to the family. Doug has been thoughtful in so many ways. We have appreciated our two Pastors at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, Woody Brown and Ted Pierce. The Staff also has expressed great love thru their many visits, prayers and concerns in helpful ways. Christy Watson deserves special mention as does Jan and Dennis Hainley of the Board of Deacons for their many caring ways of support. A memorial service to celebrate the Life of Abbey will be held at The Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm. A reception will be held after the service in the Ralston Fireside Room at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts may be made to the Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, Overland Park, KS. D