John Stephen Kokoruda

John Kokoruda Obituary

We would like to celebrate the life of John Stephen Kokoruda who passed away June 30. John wasn't just a hairstylist, gifted artist, loving brother, dear uncle and dedicated friend. He was a visionary that found beauty in every aspect of life. We will miss him dearly and invite you to come celebrate his life at a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Guardian Angel Church. In place of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to the ALS association, Keith Worthington Chapter, 6950 Squibb Road, Suite 210, Mission, KS, 66202 or Guardian Angel Church, 1310 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO, 64111. John's family would like to thank the ALS association Keith Worthington chapter, NKC Hospice and his wonderful caregivers. His survivors include his partner of 20 years, Ron Mills; sister, Carole Rodman and brother-in-law Victor; sister, Marilyn Kokoruda; sister, Kathy Stephan and brother-in-law James; brother, James Kokoruda and many nieces, nephews, friends, and Ruby the wonderdog. At the memorial we ask that you don't wear black, as John is watching over us in heaven, encouraging the colors and beauty to flow just as it did from his paintbrush. Arr.: Marts Memorial Services (816) 561-8181.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kokoruda

10 Entries

Sue Meador-Flett

January 10, 2025

Obviously it´s been many years since I met John through my very close friend Sam. I bought one of his chalk drawings the evening I met him. He was a treasure. Such talent and sweetness.

Stephanie Johnson

April 10, 2012

This is very late. I adored John. He was my hair stylist for several years in Kansas while my daughter lived there. What a joy he was. What a loss to his family and friends. Rest in peace, my friend.

Gary Banta

August 30, 2009

I am so lucky to have known John and am sad that we grew apart in the last few years before his illness. I adored him, his laughter, beauty, talent, friendship, and just the joy of being around him and his wonderful extended family. I will never let him go and see his wonderful art in my home every day. We shared many crossed paths and coincidences in life through the years including a friendship with one of his partners in the 70's, Bill Hill whom he met while at KU. John and Ron and I became friends in the 90's and had many great times together. John is a true inspiration to me and I will strive to honor his memory. Love to John and all his wonderful extended family and friends. I am sorry for your great loss. Gary Banta

Gary Banta

August 30, 2009

I am so lucky to have known John and am sad that we grew apart in the last few years before his illness. I adored him, his laughter, beauty, talent, friendship, and just the joy of being around him and his wonderful extended family. I will never let him go and see his wonderful art in my home every day. We shared many crossed paths and coincidences in life through the years including a friendship with one of his partners in the 70's, Bill Hill whom he met while at KU. John and Ron and I became friends in the early 90's and had many great times together. John is a true inspiration to me and I will strive to honor his memory. Love to John and all his wonderful extended family and friends. I am sorry for your great loss. Gary Banta

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Nancy Newbold

August 25, 2009

Dear Kokoruda Family & Ronnie,
I was so sad to learn of John's passing. I have many memories of John from the Salon, since I went there for 22 years. Even though I usually had my hair done by Gene, there were occasions when John did my hair. We had a special relationship and loved to make each other laugh. I attended several of his art shows, and have 2 beautiful pieces hanging in my kitchen. "Colorful" is a wonderful way of describing John in personality and his painting. A few of months before his passing, Laura Teschler and I went to visit John. I am so glad I got to see him then. He will be greatly missed. I was out of town the weekend of his memorial service. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

August 5, 2009

Dear Kokoruda family and Ron,

I am so sorry to hear that John has passed away. He was one of my best friends growing up and was always so full of life and joy. Rest assured of my prayers for all of you as you mourn your great loss.

Steve Foster
Alamos, Sonora, Mexico
[email protected]

Alice (McMillan) Lockridge

July 28, 2009

May the love of family and friends fill your heart with peace. I knew John for a few short time in college as we were all learning to become our true selves. I'm sure those of you that knew and loved him longer were blessed with even more sweet memories.

July 24, 2009

I went to grade school and high school with John and he was a great guy. I know he will be truely missed by all his family and friends. You have my deepest sympathy.
Pat (Gorman)Rodina

Nancy Huaracha

July 23, 2009

My condolences to all the family and especially Carole and Laura. I didn't know John but loosing a close family member saddens the heart.

Mary Connelly

July 23, 2009

Ron, Carole/Victor, Marilyn, Kathy/James, James
Years ago I had the privilege of having my hair done by your loved one. It has been the only time in my life I remember hearing the word 'beautiful' as they touched my hair. That moment has been one of my sweetest memories. I'm sure there are many others who carry sweet memories of their time shared with John. Here is a poem, I hope it helps each of you as you say your final goodbye.
*****All is Well*******
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
For an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
by Henry Scott-Holland.