PATRICK JOSEPH CLUNE

1922 - 2017

Patrick Joseph Clune, 94, of Prairie Village, passed away May 4, 2017. He was born in Kansas City, KS, on Aug. 23, 1922, to Ellen & John Clune, who were Irish immigrants. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944. He served in the 34th Bombardment Group earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Oak Leaf Clusters and completed 36 missions over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe. After the war, Patrick graduated from Rockhurst College where he played varsity basketball. Pat married Virginia Gerhardt on June 26, 1948, and they shared 68 happy years together. He was a devout Catholic and his faith and family were his priorities. He was an active member of Cure of Ars Church for 53 years, serving on the Parish Council, School Board, and was an usher (hospitality minister) for many years. Patrick and Virginia founded the K.C. Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation in 1966, now named the National Kidney Foundation of KS and Western MO. Patrick was in the retail division of the dairy business his entire career working for DeCoursey Dairy, Meyer Dairy and Zarda Dairy. He loved life, had many friends, was an avid sports fan, and was proud of his Irish heritage. He and Virginia joined friends for many golf vacations and bridge games. Pat is preceded in death by siblings, Jack Clune, Patrice Clune Malley, Peter Clune, Father Thomas Clune and Helen Clune DeCoursey. He is also preceded by daughter, Donna Sue Clune, son, Joseph Clune and granddaughter, Laura Ann Geraghty. Patrick leaves behind his wife, Virginia, children, Peggy (Terry) Dunn, Christy (Pat) Sirridge and Dan (Teresa) Clune, and daughter-in-law, Carol Clune. Pat will be missed by his 12 grandchildren, Patrick (Amanda) Dunn, Brian (Lynn) Dunn, Katie (Matt) Fitzgerald, Michael (Melinda) Dunn, Kelly (Jason) Hendrickson, Paul (Kali) Clune, Julie (Ben) Schultz, Pat (Jamie) Geraghty, Peyton Clune, Joseph Clune, Nina Clune and Patrick Clune, as well as 24 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Everyone will miss hearing, "You are getting better looking every day! Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Cure of Ars Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery immediately following Mass. The family is deeply grateful for the loving compassion of the team from Catholic Charities Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in his name be made to Cure of Ars Church, National Kidney Foundation of KS and Western MO, or Catholic Charities Hospice. McGilley State Line Chapel, Dignity Memorial