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BORN

1925

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Allnutt Funeral Service – Estes Park Chapel

1302 Graves Ave.

Estes Park, Colorado

Jack Chalender Obituary

Jack Chalender of Estes Park, CO, formerly of Overland Park, KS died in Estes Park on September 1. Ralph Evan (Jack) Chalender was born August 7, 1925 in Wellsville, KS. He graduated from high school in Wellsville and received his Bachelor of Science (Elementary Education), Master of Science (Guidance and Curriculum) and Doctorate (Administration and Curriculum) degrees from the University of Kansas. On June 12, 1953 he married Katherine (Kay) Wingert at the Wellsville Methodist Church. Jack was a lifelong educator beginning his teaching career in a one-room school in rural Miami County, KS where he taught all eight grades. He furthered his career in Johnson County, Kansas where he taught at Overland Park and Prairie Schools before serving as a teacher, counselor and principal at Milburn Junior High School. In 1968 Jack became superintendent of the Valley View School District. From 1969 to 1983 he was employed by the Shawnee Mission School District serving in a variety of capacities including Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Associate Superintendent for Elementary Education and as the area Superintendent for the North and Northwest areas. After his retirement from the Shawnee Mission School District, Jack enjoyed an encore career working in public relations and marketing for Mainstreet Credit Union. Jack and Kay spent many summers at their mountain cabin in Riverside and were summer members of the Allenspark Community Church. They moved to Estes Park as full-time residents in 2009. During his career Jack was active and held leadership positions in many civic organizations including the Credit Union of Johnson County (Mainstreet Credit Union), the John Austin Cheley Foundation, Fire Board District One-Johnson County, Shawnee Mission Chapter of American Red Cross, Johnson County Charter Commission, Johnson County Retired School Personnel, State Legislative Committee for Kansas Retired Teachers, Johnson County Mental Health Association, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and Johnson County YMCA. He was a member of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS where he served as an elder. Jack received numerous honors including induction into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame in 1988. In 2002 he was recognized by the Kansas Senate for giving 40 years of his life as a teacher and for his many community contributions. He received the Patron Award from the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation in 2008. Jack had a tremendous influence on the lives of his students, colleagues, friends and family. He lived a life of service and always had time for others. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, positive attitude, patience, gratitude, compassion and ability to offer wise counsel when asked. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed following KU basketball as well as the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, playing bridge, fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Jack is survived by daughter Betsy Thamert, her husband Andy and grandchildren Ryan and Grace of Estes Park; brother-in laws George Wingert Ottawa, KS; Dwight Wingert (Kathy) of Wichita, KS and Eugene Wingert (Kay) of Lenexa, KS. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Kay, his parents Ralph and Sally Chalender, brother Bob Chalender, step-brother Larry Rader, sister-in law Jane Wingert, sister-in-law Christine Chalender and granddaughter Sara Katherine Thamert. A memorial service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on Saturday September 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Allenspark Community Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the John Austin Cheley Foundation, Village Presbyterian Church or the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation-Jack Chalender Legacy Fund in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 1302 Graves Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517. Please visit www.allnutt.com to leave a message for the family.

Published by Estes Park Trail-Gazette on Sep. 19, 2018.
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Dr Jack Chalender, a great Principal and Great Man! So respected by students and their families. I was honored to have known him during my Milburn Jr High days, as well as more recently when he spoke at my brother's funeral. He influenced the lives of so many, and we are all better for that!

Dave Mathews

October 19, 2018

Betsy and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. I was interested in reading that he taught in a one-room country school early in his career that was located in Miami County, Kansas. I also began my teaching career in Miami County in the Osawatomie City Schools. Brenda & I had the good fortune of meeting your parents when they were visiting. May you all find comfort and peace in the preservation of wonderful memories. We miss you. God bless.

Larry & Brenda Gillum

Friend

October 2, 2018

Dr. Chalender would end the annual honors assembly at Milburn JHS every May by handing wallet-size cards to every student with a little motivational saying he liked. I kept mine for years in my billfold until they fell apart.

On Dr. Chalender's last day as our principal at Milburn, I saw the 9th grade boys pull off one of the greatest shows of respect ever for a principal when they carried him from his home to our school on a chariot made of a lawn chair and ladder. Thank you, Dr. Chalender.

Roger Kroh
Milburn Class of 69

September 25, 2018

Betsy and family,
I went to Milburn Jr High from 12 years old to 15. Dr. Chalender was my principal. To this day, he makes me want to be a better and G-dly man. I am 65 and your father still has a profound influnce on my life. I have met no one like him. Our family quoted him numerous times. A fine, fine man.

David Naster

David Naster

September 22, 2018

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

M B

September 21, 2018

Betsy and family,
I just wanted to share my condolences with you on the passing of your Dad. I remember him full of life while we were camping/canoeing down in southern Missouri many years ago. I hope his later years were joyous. I am so sorry for your loss.

Doug Brown

September 21, 2018

May the Most High give peace, strength and comfort to you during this difficult time.

2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

September 19, 2018

I attended Milburn Junior High when Dr. Chalender was Principal. I remember that he always had a smile on his face. He cared about his students and always said hi. He was laid back and always stayed calmed. I am now a retired elementary principal who thinks Dr. Chalender had an effect on my principalship.

Craig Burger

September 19, 2018

Im so sorry to hear about your loss. I send my deepest condolences. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" strengthen your family during this difficult time (Isaiah 61:1,2)
-NN

September 19, 2018

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Sep

22

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Allenspark Community Church

CO

Funeral services provided by:

Allnutt Funeral Service – Estes Park Chapel

1302 Graves Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517

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