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GEORGE GRAY BREIDENTHAL Jr.

1948 - 2015

GEORGE GRAY BREIDENTHAL Jr. obituary, 1948-2015, Kansas City, KS

FUNERAL HOME

Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory - Kansas City

1835 Minnesota Avenue

Kansas City, Kansas

GEORGE BREIDENTHAL Obituary

GEORGE GRAY BREIDENTHAL, JR. George Gray Breidenthal, Jr. , 67, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away June 23, 2015 peacefully with family at his side. George was born to Gray and Keolna (McKenzie) Breidenthal on March 22nd, 1948. While born an only child, he spent much of his young childhood with his cousins Genia & Marlis Nelson & thought of them as sisters. He attended McKinley and Mark Twain Elementary schools and Northwest Junior High. He was a graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. After earning an Associate's Degree from Donnelly College he continued his education at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia where he majored in history & earned a teaching degree in secondary education. His family history is deeply rooted in Kansas City, Kansas & his love for the community never wavered. He was always KCK's biggest cheerleader & was proud to call it home. Upon graduation from college, he returned to KCK as a substitute teacher for the next two years. Then he joined six generations of family bankers & worked at Security Bank at 7th & Minnesota. There he worked in marketing & customer service & managed a branch bank while serving as vice-president until Security was sold in the early 80's. With 3 business partners, Kaw Valley Bank & Turner Banks were purchased & he became president of Turner Bank. Later after the two banks merged, he was chairman of the board at Kaw Valley Bank. George's belief in education & what it can mean for children became the focus of his life in the 80's & continued for 32 years as a USD 500 School Board member. He has served on the Donnelly College Board of Trustees since 1991 and the Foundation Board of Emporia State for years. He was also an appointed member of the KCK Landmarks Commission. His family foundation established over 50 years ago by his grandfather continues to give scholarships to students in need of an opportunity. An avid supporter of college athletics, in particular basketball & rowing, his philanthropy has touched Kansas State University, Emporia State University & The University of Kansas. He also had carried on the tradition of his father as a supporter of The College of Engineering at Kansas State University. Recently, George was honored as an inductee into the Mid-America Education Hall of Fame. George loved spending time with his children, McKenzie & Ben. Much of that time was spent on another one of his passions, travel. The three traveled together to many countries over the years. George once expressed the desire to visit a country for every year of his life. His goal was achieved adding Israel as number 67. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-parents. He is survived by his two children, McKenzie Breidenthal, Overland Park, KS & Ben Breidenthal, Kansas City, Kansas, sister/cousins Genia Hileman and husband Lee, Houston, TX and Marlis Hoke & husband Steve, Montpelier, Virginia and countless cousins, nieces, nephews & friends. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:30 PM Monday, June 29th at Porter Funeral Home, 1835 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 30 at Trinity Community Church, 5010 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66104. Burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Community Church or The Kansas City, KS Foundation for Excellence c/o Board of Education (designation George G. Breidenthal Scholarship), 2010 North 59th Street, Kansas City, KS 66104. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Home & Crematory, Kansas City, KS (913) 621-6400) P

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jun. 26, 2015.

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Derek Campbell

July 1, 2015

I always enjoyed visiting with George. He could talk about virtually any topic and always made it interesting. He'll be greatly missed.

Spencer Keesee

June 29, 2015

Mr. Bridenthal was an amazing man!!! We loved having him as a Board Member for Economic Opportunity Foundation, Inc. One of the BEST!!! Truly a great man.

Carol Levers

June 29, 2015

Sincere condolences to the Breidenthal family. The Kansas City Kansas Public Library has lost a dear friend and supporter. His legacy will continue and he will be sorely missed.

Tina Caron

June 28, 2015

George was always so friendly to everyone.My daughter played at K-State and he was loved by evryone there. I loved how he had cartoon pictures made of the seniors every year, this truly them feel special. You be greatly missed.

Doug Spangler

June 27, 2015

George was an amazing man and wonderful supporter of Wyandotte County. He always looked after the less fortunate and was an inspiration to All who knew him.

Our entire community joins to support his family.

Doug Spangler

David Dunfield

June 27, 2015

George was a great man, really committed to serving his community and preserving our heritage. Not to mention a really fun guy to be around.

Marjorie Engquist

June 26, 2015

I met George in 7tb Grade Social Studies at Northwest when it was still a junior high. We met again at Trinity. I had the honor of knowing and working with George in the Kansas City schools for 34 years. We always seemed to have a fond memory to talk about. I am sad knowing that when I visit Kansas City he will not be there. My sympathy is with his children and family.

Addie hawkins

June 26, 2015

Thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing man! He was a true advocate for the students of KCK.
Be encouraged McKenzie.

Anna Smith

June 26, 2015

George leaves alot of memories for his children to carry in their hearts. He will be missed but remembered by all

Judy Billings

June 26, 2015

Sorry for the loss of a good friend of history. His support of Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area had been appreciated. He will be missed as a valued board member

Terry Clark

June 26, 2015

Sorry for the loss of a good friend when we lived next door in Indian Woods. It was so much fun to visit with him and have yard sales together and take of the little dog "Bear" that was a stray and the three family's on 88th Drive would feed and play with her. God bless George and all the family. Terry J C lark & Frieda L Clark RN

Cheryl Collins

June 26, 2015

Please accept my sincere sympathy in the death of George Breidenthal. His deep love and commitment to history and education has made a lasting contribution.

Jennifer McCullough

June 26, 2015

What an amazing man and raised two amazing children. You will be truly missed!! RIP George

Wyandotte County Historical Museum Staff

June 26, 2015

Thank you George for all the wonderful things you have done to support Wyandotte County - from the schools to the museums - you have been a great asset. Wyandotte County will not be the same without you.

Julie McPike

June 26, 2015

George's support and advice as a member of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Board of Trustees was invaluable. His input, wisdom and presence will be missed.

MARY ELLEN CORNEJO/ASHER

June 26, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Linda Conley

June 26, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Breidenthal Family on the loss of George at this sad time. I went to Donnelly College and KSTC with him and continued our friendship as I taught in the KCK School district, as a Teacher. I feel very fortunate to have known him as a friend all those years and know I will see him again one day. My thoughts and prayers are with McKenzie and Ben losing their wonderful Dad.

June 26, 2015

Condolences to all of Georges family and may his soul rest in peace. God bless George for his humanity and giving heart..all will miss him.
Bob Purinton
Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Classsmate and fellow ESU trustee

June 26, 2015

George's many accomplishments set a wonderful example to strive for excellence and service to others. A devoted and loving father, he will be surely be missed not only by family but also all those who knew him professionally and personally. Under God's Kingdom by means of Jesus we have the hope of seeing him again during the resurrection (Jo 5:28). - Andrew

Barb McCall Belt

June 26, 2015

After almost 40 years of friendship I will miss George so much. He always had a smile, something to make me laugh, and I have some great memories from back in our early days of banking at Security. My heart goes out to his children and family who I know will feel this loss the most. Until we meet again my friend.

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Memorial Events
for GEORGE BREIDENTHAL

Jun

29

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory - Kansas City

1835 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102

Jun

30

Funeral service

10:00 a.m.

Trinity Community Church

5010 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66102

Jun

30

Burial

Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens

MO 66102

Funeral services provided by:

Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory - Kansas City

1835 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102

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