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JOHN CHEZIK Obituary

John M. Chezik, 78, of Overland Park, KS, passed away November 13, 2012 at home. Visitation will be Friday, November 16 from 5-8 p.m. at McGilley State Line Chapel (123rd & Stateline). Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 17 at 11 a.m. at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (135th & Roe) in Leawood, KS. Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery located on Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, KS. directly following the funeral service. John was born May 3, 1934 in Topeka, KS. He was raised in Waverly, IA, and graduated High School in 1952. He was then drafted by the St. Louis Browns in the same year and played professional baseball for the next 5 years. He ended his career in 1957 playing for the Lake Charles Giants of the Evangeline league in Lake Charles, LA. John attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. and graduated in 1957 with a BA Degree. While attending Wartburg he met Sharon Folkerts and they married in 1959 after she graduated from Wartburg. John started his automotive career soon after they were married and moved to Kansas City in 1966 to open his first dealership with General Motors, which was a Buick franchise. Throughout his career in Kansas City, which spanned 46 years, he owned and operated many award winning dealerships, which included Honda, Acura, Buick, Dodge, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Subaru and Toyota. Most Kansas City residents will remember him as the 'Smasher' and his dealerships being the home of 'Desk Smashing Good Deals'. John owned Honda, Suzuki and Hyundai in the St. Louis area. He also enjoyed success in the Iowa City, IA. automotive arena. He owned and operated Honda, Mercedes, Volvo, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mitsubishi and Suzuki. John opened his Honda store in Iowa with Chicago Football legend Gale Sayers in 1988 and was a 6 time Honda President's Award winner. John was a large contributor to the University of Iowa women's athletic program and also many other local schools and charitable organizations. John was an avid duck hunter. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and was inducted into the Water Fowlers Hall of Fame in 2004 in Mound City, MO. This honor was more dear to his heart than one could imagine. He owned duck hunting property in Mound City, MO, and Mendon, MO. He would spend every fall doing what he loved, especially when the wind was blowing out of the northwest and the ducks were flying. His love for hunting started when he was a young boy hunting squirrels and ducks on the farm with his brothers Ed and Don in Waverly, IA. John was bigger than life, never met a stranger and was loved by all. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sharon, his son John W. Chezik of Sweden, his daughter, Laura Hennessey, son-in-law Bobby Hennessey of Overland Park, 5 grandchildren, Sarah, John, Michael, Joseph and Matthew. Brother Ed Chezik (Evelyn) of Iowa, Brother Don Chezik (Elaine) of Kansas City. John is preceded in death by his parents John & Delma Chezik. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in Kansas City. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. M

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Published by Kansas City Star from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN CHEZIK

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JB

February 13, 2024

Hey Mr. C- I can't believe nearly 12 years have passed. Thanks again for the most enjoyable years of my life. We sure put the Smasher on the map in Iowa City. Keep shooting those ducks because as you said, the deserve it!
Our family misses you.

Gary Jackson

January 16, 2018

Wow it is a shock to find out John has been gone since 2012. John and Sharon hired me to look over their lake hose at Table Rock Lake back in the 90's. John and I became good friends while I was working for him and he will be missed. Rest in peace my friend!

Kathi Brougham Munson

April 6, 2013

Sharon, I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies. I just heard from out friend Larry Miller of Germany about John's death. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Kathi Brougham Munson
Reece and Nichols
816-591-1089

Eric Thompson

January 3, 2013

My regards to the Chezik family. I remember meeting John with my Father Fred Thompson who knew John from his his days at Wartburg College where my father worked for a while. I remember John's wonderful energy and enthusiasm for life!

Kirk Christiansen

December 30, 2012

I just learned of Mr. Chezik's passing, but wasnted to ensure that all knew how much I presonally respected him. There was only one John Chezik and I learned a great deal from him and will be forever grateful.

December 19, 2012

Sharon, so sorry to learn about John's death. My deepest sympathy. Ralph Ayers

Steve Scantlin

November 27, 2012

Remembering John as friend and employer for nearly 30 years: He was genuine, caring and provided opportunities for many in the auto industry to grow in both business and leadership. His generosity was truly inspiring. He will be greatly missed. Sending our love and condolences, Steve Scantlin and family.

Matt Brown

November 26, 2012

I worked for Mr. Chezik for about four years. I can't remember him coming in to work without a smile. He always seemed to brighten the room. We will miss you Mr. C.

DAVE ROSE

November 23, 2012

I'VE WORKED FOR THIS FINE GENTLEMAN FOR
30 YEARS, AND HE IS ONE OF A KIND.

Marilyn Cohen

November 18, 2012

Dear Mrs Chezik,
I was so saddened to hear about Mr. Chezik. I met him at Village Shalom where I volunteer for Happy Hour. Even though I did not know him long, I felt it was a privilege that I got to know you both. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

James Pratt

November 17, 2012

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He always had time for the kid across the street whenever I saw him at one of the stores. The trips to the ball park with your family will always be cherished and never forgotten. Sorry I was unable to attend the visitation. My thoughts are with you.

November 17, 2012

The Chezik family:
We were saddened to read of John's passing. Just as the sun will set then rise with each and every dawn, the souls of those who lived so well eternally live on... Ed has been talking of all the memories with John, Ed and Don in Waverly.
Please know we are thinking of you.

Ed and Maralyn Chesnut
Waverly, IA

Debbie Van Pelt-McEnroe

November 16, 2012

I'm so saddened by the news that John Chezik has died. Known by many thousands as "successful car dealer", I (along with many privileged others) knew John as "friend". Our relationship began 30 years ago with me selling him advertising space & creating his ads for Northland
newspapers. John always treated me with utmost respect, and he had a sincere appreciation for my business/advertising expertise. I'll never forget when John hired my oldest son, Chris, and when Chris was going through some personal difficulties, John cut him some slack and helped him out. John Chezik did many, many kind things for many, many people - never expecting anything in return. And, though for many years he worked long, hard hours, he dearly loved his family. I'm sorry he's gone.

Boyd Metz

November 16, 2012

We duck hunted a number of times and would see each other at Royals games, but visited too few times.

Chris Adkins

November 16, 2012

Mr.C always brightens up my day when I talked with him. We will all miss him My thoughts and prayers to all the family .

Melissa Poteet

November 16, 2012

Mr. Chezik, was an Icon in the Northland. I am proud to have worked for him and his family.

Dave Bankson

November 16, 2012

When I worked for John back some 20 plus years ago I didn't know diddly about the car business, Bobby was my night time cashier and done lots of studying while he was working and Laura was stopping by to visit......often.I have to say I learned more about the real business of what it took to be a dealer from John than I ever learned from trial and error on my own.Some of the finest car men in the Midwest,learned at that table of knowledge.. for that we all are eternally grateful for the time and energy he gave to each of us.I was blessed to have John as a hunting companion on several occasions over many years, a true sportsman and friend to conservation and Hall of Fame member at the Duck Club in Mound City Missouri. The generosity and friendships he had include thousands of people far and wide.John was a friend and will be missed by many many people that had him touch their lives and make life, just a little better, I claim to be one of them.

Were already missing you big guy!

Johnny Reyes

November 16, 2012

Mr. Chezik you will be missed very much! I enjoyed the opportunity to work for you, I have some great memeroies. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Chezik and Hennessey family. God Bless You

Johnny Reyes

November 16, 2012

You Will be missed Mr. C!! I enjoyed the opportunity to work for you and i think you for the great moments. My prayers and thoughts go out your family God Bless

Teri Burton

November 16, 2012

Bobby and family, I'm very sorry to hear of John's passing. I enjoyed working for him and am keeping your family in my prayers.

Bob Aubrey

November 16, 2012

I was fortunate to meet Mr. Chezik shortly after graduating from High School. Since that time I watched from near and far as he provided opportunities to many people of all ages. I will always be grateful for the opportiunities he provided me. My condolences to to the Chezik and Hennessey families. John will be missed by many. Rest in Peace Mr C.

November 16, 2012

DEAR SHARON AND FAMILY: OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JOHN WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE AND WE KNOW WHAT A VOID HIS PASSING WILL CREATE FOR ALL OF YOU. BLESS YOU ALL AND ENJOY THE GRAND MEMORIES YOU SHARE. GATHER CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AND LET THIS TIME BOND AND MAKE YOUR TIES EVEN STRONGER. WITH OUR DEEPEST SYMTHATHY. JEAN & PETE TAMBURELLO

Pam and Tim Laughlin

November 16, 2012

To the Chezik and Hennessey families: Mr. C will be greatly missed. The ONLY person I ever worked for who always told me I was the best at what I do, and I would say "I know it!" He would laugh every time. Tim and I hope you find peace and comfort in our prayers for you all.

Leon Wharton

November 16, 2012

I first met Mr. C in 1986. As most people would probably agree, John would leave an immediate positive impression. Over a 25 year business relationship, I will mostly remember how quickly the business conversations would change to John's real passions, baseball and ducks. Those conversations will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to Sharon and the Hennessey family during this difficult time. May God bless you all.

Rick King

November 16, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss. My family bought property from John in Md City, and we still have it today. A plesant memory was flipping a coin to arrive at a price on it...John called heads...He won. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Elmer Myers

November 16, 2012

John was a very dear friend to me and I will miss him terribly. He was one of the good ones! RIP and prayers to the family.

George & Rose DeLisio

November 16, 2012

It's difficult to follow up with comments after all the wonderful notes we have viewed. But our feelings are truly the same. I know he was instrumental in contributing to various organizations and that in its self is a tribute to him. Our experience with the Honda organization for 25 years has been great! And we know he was responsible for the attitude surrounding the dealership.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Chezik and Hennessy Family. God Bless.

Don Chezik

November 16, 2012

John did so many good things for people who never knew it because he did them without telling them. In contrast to many people, he did GOOD things behind their back. He was much more generous than most people realize. I'm his brother and I know!

Cindy Boucher

November 15, 2012

Mr. Chezik's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Mr.C when my now deceased husband , Larry Boucher , did the Honda stores Towing and dealer trades. He was always kind and sweet. Heaven gained an angel. May god heal your hearts and your pain of your loss. Many blessings to the Family.

The Boucher Family

Greg Weyrauch

November 15, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

BRANDON WALLS

November 15, 2012

MR.C. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. YOU WERE A GREAT GUY AND EVEN THOUGH I ONLY GOT TO WORK WITH YOU FOR A SHORT TIME I LEARNED ALOT. YOUR STORIES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN....YOU REMINDED ME ALOT OF MY GRANDFATHER. ILL MISS YOU MR.C. PLEASE KEEP A LOOK OVER ALL OF US HERE AT HONDA. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.

November 15, 2012

Dear Sharon, I am so sorry to learn of John's passing. Always thought he had a nice sense of humor. We were of the same age although he was born several months earlier in the same year. I was born Dec 14, 1934. God's blessings be with you. Fred Wolf

Suzanne & John Howden

November 15, 2012

I've worked for Mr. Chezik (off and on...due to cancer and eventually loss of limb) for 17 years. He is "one of a kind" and also one of the kindest bosses I've ever known. He put up with me coming and going (illness), always found another place for me within his organization (when I was ready to work again) and had confidence in my ability when, at times, I didn't have confidence in myself. He will be missed by all. Mr. Chezik has such a wonderful family and my heart and prayers go out to each of them.

Gary Donnici

November 15, 2012

Mr. C was one of the Kindest Men I have ever worked for. Although I started in the Business when he was late in life I still learned a lot just in how he interacted with all employees and customers. There wasn't anyone he would not have a conversation with. He will be greatly missed. To his Family, I am very sorry for your loss.

Beryl Jordan

November 15, 2012

I remember John from high school, when he was the most charismatic kid in Waverly, Iowa. He was very good looking and a great baseball player and could charm anyone. I haven't seen him in many, many years, but his success in life doesn't surprise me. I will always remember him as a special guy.

Jim Carroll

November 15, 2012

My prayers go out to the Chezik ,Hennessey family especially Mrs Chezik. It was always a pleasure to talk with John true old fashion gentleman.

Todd& Kathy Wood

November 15, 2012

What a great man he was ! The world is just a little dimmer without John in it. Family was very important to John he will co he will continue to watch over you all and deepest condolence are wit are with you especially my g my god mother Sharon

boni tobin

November 15, 2012

To Sharon and family's, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I first met John in the early 1980's when I walked into the dealership showroom and fell in love with a new Honda Accord~~~and John opening the big glass doors for me to drive my new and beautiful car home!! He always made everyone feel special~~~~Your wonderful memories will be like an unwritten book to share forever~~

Robert Williams, MD

November 15, 2012

Got to know John after buying my first Buick from him in 1968. Was a friend for life thereafter, and many more Buicks exchanged hands. Will miss him.
My condolences to the family

Jim Gencur

November 15, 2012

Our world was richer, warmer, friendlier and far more enjoyable with Mr. C (aka Smash or Smasher). He was, in a word, unforgettable. My first face-to-face with John began inauspiciously but, over the next 10 years, I grew to appreciate his unique personality, sense of humor and generosity. He helped shape my life and the lives of many, many others. I owe him a debt which, at his passing, I'm unable to repay but will try by telling and retelling Smasher stories to all who will listen. Warmest and heartfelt thoughts for Mrs. C and family members. Final words...get what you can get and GO!

Kathy Zwygart Simpson

November 15, 2012

What a guy!! I always loved visiting with Mr. C -- he always had a story to tell about someone. He would tell me a story, and we'd start laughing and he then he would say, "Let me tell you another one about the time......" -- then we would start laughing again!!

Mrs. C, Bobby & Laura, I will have you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!!

November 15, 2012

SUCH A KIND AND CARING MAN...........ALWAYS A HONEST DEAL WHEN BUYING FROM HIM BETTY COLE

Lisa Marcel Fariss

November 15, 2012

John will be missed by so many. He always had a smile and a great sense of humor. My condolences to Sharon, Laura, Bobby and the children and Johnny. May you always have the memories in your heart!

Linda Urick

November 15, 2012

Sharon and family, I worked for John in 1969 to 1973, at the Buick store, what a great man he was to work for, he wanted you to suceed. I remember the children when they were small and you coming in the dealership. He loved his family. God's blessings to you all and may he wrap his loving arms around you all in this time of sorrow. Linda J. (Tietz) Urick, Sioux City IA.

Carol Tracy

November 15, 2012

Many years have passed and yet it seems like yesterday. His favorite saying.. "If this dog don't hunt.... You will be missed and my memories will always be kept in a special place in my heart. My love to the family especially Mrs. Chezik. You are all in my prayers, Carol Tracy

fred nelson

November 15, 2012

adear friend and agood man. very happy to have counted him among my friends

MIKE BAIR

November 15, 2012

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY,I WORKED FOR MR CHEZIK FOR 25 YEARS,WHAT GREAT MEMORIES I HAVE ! YOU WILL BE MISSED..

Jon Wessel

November 15, 2012

I first met Mr. Chezik in 1963 when he joined my late father in his Buick store in Tulsa, OK. Mr. Chezik went on to open his own Buick store in 1966, but he and my father always kept in touch. My father considered him to be his best friend. In the last year of his life my father was in a nursing home, and when I would go to visit him, he would oftentimes ask, "How's Mr. Chezik?". It was never "John", it was "Mr. Chezik", and that was a measure of the respect that my father had for him. My condolences to the Chezik and Hennessey families, for I know he will be greatly missed.

Jan

November 15, 2012

First met John in 1978 while buying a car. He talked to us about our son and told us about the Feingold diet - which worked. You were bigger than life and one of the nicest people I ever met. Because of you we never went anywhere but to a Chezik dealership. God bless.

November 14, 2012

Sharon and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss; we send our warm thoughts and prayers to all. Gary worked for John for 21 years and they shared a friendship, many good times and memories along the way. We will remember our evenings together at ball games, trips to Mound City, dinners together, and watching our two families grow. John was a warm and giving man and there was no one more important to John than his family. We will miss you John, rest in peace. Gary & Carolyn Wiles, Sunrise Beach, MO

Diane Cook

November 14, 2012

My condolences to the Chezik and Hennessey families. Mr. Chezik was an exceptional boss, friend, and counselor to me for fourteen plus years he will be greatly missed, as will his words of wisdom and encouragement.

Janet Megilligan

November 14, 2012

While many knew him as "Mr. Chezik" he was my Uncle John. I treasure all of the wonderful childhood memories I have with my Uncle. I loved to see he and his brother (my dad) laughing over old times. I will miss you, Uncle John!

November 14, 2012

God bless you, John's family! I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Gloria Herzig Dalrymple

Linda Hemphill

November 14, 2012

13 years with this man, his companies, and his interests. He was game to sell anything he thought was interesting. A GREAT business man.We all loved him and his caring attitude. He will be truly missed.Linda Hemphill (Joplin, Mo.)

Robbie Kanoff

November 13, 2012

I will miss Mr. C very much... I never worked for such a kind person either before or since... Robbie

James Sparks

November 13, 2012

Mr C. will be missed by all. He was one of the kindest and funniest guys I have had the pleasure to meet. I will miss his stories and his kind words. God bless your family in this difficult time.

robbie kanoff

November 13, 2012

you will be missed Mr. C

Scott Wiles

November 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Scott, Melissa, Christian, and Bethany Wiles

Showing 1 - 58 of 58 results

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