Name: Visitation for Gregory Vranicar
Start: 2021-09-02T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-09-02T15:30:00.000Z
Location: Cure' of Ars Catholic Church

Gregory Vranicar
June 28, 1950 - August 22, 2021
Overland Park, Kansas - Gregory L. Vranicar, 71, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Sunday, August 22, from complications following a stroke. Greg was born on June 28, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI, to Leonard (Len) and Margery (Jean) Vranicar, and was the oldest of seven children. As an infant, Greg and his parents moved to Stanton, NE, where he would become his high school class' valedictorian as well as the school's first four-sport letterman.
Greg attended Grinnell College in Iowa, which was located near his beloved grandparents, Leland and Margaret Anderson. Greg graduated from Grinnell in 1972 having achieved Phi Beta Kappa distinction and winning the President's Medalist for superior scholarship and campus leadership. Following Grinnell, Greg enrolled at the University of Iowa Law School, where he graduated in 1975. An ROTC officer at Grinnell, Greg's military assignment was Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Kansas City, MO.
After nearly three years at the base working as a judge advocate, Greg began his law career in Kansas City. His first partnership was at Rich, Granoff, Levy and Gee, followed by Seigfreid, Bingham, Levy, Selzer and Gee. These positions coincided with his marriage to Marilyn Vrbenec in 1982 and sons Mark and David being born in 1983 and 1985. Greg's interests later shifted to non-profit work and he began a new career as a fundraiser, working for the Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and later for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph. He played an active role as Mark and David's father and particularly loved supporting their athletic endeavors.
Greg found enjoyment and satisfaction in volunteering and continued this passion into retirement. His recent volunteer activities included serving as a lector and communion minister at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church. Greg volunteered several years with Serra Club #25, whose goal is to support and encourage religious vocations. He also was a long-time volunteer at The Coterie Theatre, where he served as Board President and on the Advisory Board. His passion for Grinnell College was unending and he had spent many months working on his 2022 50-year reunion.
Greg will always be remembered lovingly by his wife Marilyn, sons Mark (Qian) and grandson Anderson of Prairie Village, KS, and David (Lea) and granddaughter Caia of Berlin, Germany.
Survivors include his brothers and sisters Rick (Kathy) of Ralston, NE; Janie Vranicar-Lewis (Ray) of Benicia, CA; David (Betsy Paul) of Kansas City, MO; Julie of Columbus, NE; Joan Vranicar-Bugh of Allen, TX; and Jim (Amy) of Shawnee, KS. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and in-laws.
Greg's funeral service will be held Thursday, Sept. 2, at Cure' of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS. Visitation 9:00 - 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave, Suite 144, Kansas City, MO 64108, or Serra Club of Kansas City, PO Box 480825, Kansas City, MO 64148, are encouraged. Condolences can be left for the family by visiting https://www.muehlebachchapel.com/

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Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Vranicar

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

21 Entries

Kathy Rodgers

January 10, 2022

Marilyn, I just saw this. I am so sorry. I ran into Greg one day at Catholic Charities when I was there for a meeting. He will be missed. At that time only Mark was married. I am sure that he loved those grandchildren with abandon.

Marilyn, Mark, & David

Planted Trees

Richard Garrigan ...... Omaha, NE

October 5, 2021

Please accept my prayers and sympathy on Greg's passing. Greg was the consummate professional. He did phenomenal work for the diocese, parishes and schools in the Diocese of Kansas City--St. Joseph. His faith ..... was obvious. As an outside professional traveling to Kansas City to parishes, he always made me feel welcome. We would chat about his Nebraska roots and mutual acquaintances. He will be missed and I am grateful to have known Greg.

David Butel

September 7, 2021

I worked with Greg in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He was a wonderful man: warm, friendly, and faith-filled. My deepest condolences to Marilyn, Mark, and David. May he rest in peace, and may God enfold you in His love.

Nell Lucas

September 3, 2021

Please accept my prayers and sympathy. I knew Greg many years through the Mid-America Planned Giving Council. he was a kind, generous spirit who was committed to his family and making the world a better place. May he rest in peace.

Sue Nichols

September 3, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Greg for many years in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He was always a delight and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.
RIP my friend.

Dan & Audrey Rottler

Planted Trees

Gary Pratt

September 1, 2021

I met Greg through MidAmerica Charitable Gift Planners about 15 years ago when I was just getting started in planned giving with the Archdiocese. Greg was a compassionate mentor, friend and a wonderful gentleman. He was such a help to me over the years. Greg brought a faith filled peace and joy everywhere he went. He didn't just attend meetings. He rolled up his sleeves and helped do the work that advanced and strengthened any group where he was a member.

Marilyn - Greg was a regular attendee at many events and meetings over the years, but one fond memory stands out to me. I remember bringing my wife to an evening event at the Nelson Atkins Museum. The two of you were like kids on a date, and it was fun to hear your laughter and to see your joyful marriage and friendship on humble display.

God bless you and your family with his peace at this difficult time. I will miss him dearly.

Gary and Molly Pratt

Father Joseph Cisetti

August 31, 2021

Please accept my prayers and sympathy. I knew Greg through the Serra Club and the diocese. On Wednesday I will remember him at Mass. May our faith in Jesus’ triumph over death give you consolation and peace in this time of sorrow and hope.

Bill Thomas

August 31, 2021

Greg and I worked together in student government in college. We went quite different ways, but would end up in touch occasionally. I was in non-profit community and public radio, and when Greg was thinking about switching careers, he called me and we had a long talk. We talked more after that, sharing stories about fund raising. I was always impressed with how Greg's kindhearted views and focus on the greater good worked out in practical, productive ways. From what i could tell from up here in Fargo, his was a life to be proud of

Farrah, John, Scott & Steve

Planted Trees

Sheryl King Kennard

August 31, 2021

Marilyn, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You always talked so lovingly about Greg and your boys. May God give you the strength needed during this difficult time.

Jessy Criscione (Mathews)

August 31, 2021

I will always remember Greg growing up at St Francis. Both Greg and Marilyn always had a kind smile that made you feel welcome. They were both such great friends of my parents. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Paula Moss

August 30, 2021

Marilyn, Mark, David and family -
Greg's smile says it all! I had the honor of working with Greg at the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph. He was so committed to helping donors with their philanthropy and always went the extra mile. He loved the Church and was so committed to his faith both in her professional and personal life. I loved to hear his stories of his family. Mark and David, he was so proud of all of your accomplishments. He would always say his greatest accomplishment in life was being a husband and father.

We are keeping you all in our prayers. May Greg rest in comfort and peace.

Paula and Craig Moss

Jim and Becky Summers

August 30, 2021

Dear Marilyn, Mark and David - Jim and I wanted to share our sadness at the loss of Greg. In our co-working days, Greg always a kind, gentle and supportive person. . .much loved and highly regarded. He loved you all beyond words and was so proud of you. Please know that you are in our prayers. - Becky Summers

Jeremy Lillig

August 30, 2021

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I had working with Greg on my team at the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He was a deeply considerate and dedicated person. Every person he met received his trademark charism and he always gave the utmost effort to help ensure that the faithful could express their faith in supporting our diocese. Greg’s warm smile and gentle disposition will always be with me.

Mary Danaher

August 29, 2021

Marilyn and family,
I think of you so often, and was happy to see Greg pre Covid when we were both doing physical therapy at KUMC.
We share many memories, from before you were married and through the births of your sons. I remember the baby sitting days and parties.
Let’s try to get together when you are ready to do it. Through the years we always have had plenty to talk about.
You are in my prayers.
Mary

Pamela Miller

August 29, 2021

Greg was the quiet tower of strength, the calming voice of reason, the always patient spirit, and the most enthusiastic cheerleader in every opportunity that I had the privilege to serve with him in the philanthropic profession. His smile was ever-present; his kindness radiated from his heart and soul. He embodied "the love of mankind." And we loved him right back! Thank you for sharing Greg with us. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Pamela Miller

August 29, 2021

Kim Thomas

August 27, 2021

I went to Grinnell College with Greg and always enjoyed seeing him at our reunions. I always found him to be a gentle, kind, caring and unassuming soul. I will miss seeing him. My thoughts are with you.

Msgr. Bob Murphy

August 27, 2021

Please know of my prayers for you, Greg's family. I think of his positive attitude and beautiful faith. There is a lot to cherish in our memories of him.

Msgr. Bob Murphy

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