JOHN FRESHWATER

1948 - 2016

John Freshwater, 67, died peacefully with his children at his side January 27, 2016, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident on Jan. 14, 2016. John was born Oct. 31, 1948, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was the only child of Harvey and Gladys Freshwater and was greeted by older siblings Earl, Donley, and Betty from Harvey's previous marriage. He met his wife Kathy Kramer while studying engineering at Iowa State University, where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity. John and Kathy were married June 20, 1970. After obtaining his degree, John embarked on a petroleum engineering and project management career that allowed him opportunities to work all over the world. He spent time in Australia, Louisiana, Colorado, Northern Ireland, and Nigeria. John and Kathy had two children, Michelle and Katherine (Katie), both born during their time in Louisiana. John and his wife settled in Overland Park, Kan., in 1998 to be closer to Kathy's parents. He continued to work overseas until his health issues prevented him from traveling. After retirement, John became an active member of a local men's Bible study and continued to stay in touch with friends he made all over the world. John was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Earl. He is survived by ex-wife, Kathy Kramer Freshwater, Leawood, Kan.; children, Michelle Freshwater (Drew Wattles), Meridian, Idaho, and Katie Freshwater (Bobby Curtis), Beverly Hills, Calif.; grandchildren, Liam and Ronan Wattles, Meridian; his siblings, Donley Freshwater, Columbia, SC, and Betty Boesen, Waterloo, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave., with a reception immediately following. The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at OPRMC ICU for the exceptional care they provided to John in his final days. Also thank you to Rev. Jerry Peltz and his wife Jill for their love and support of our family. Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 913-451-1860, www.johnsoncountychapel.com