Richard Ward Ahlstrom

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Richard Ahlstrom Obituary

Richard Ward Ahlstrom, age 84, died of complications resulting from Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA) on July 30, 2009. Ward, as he was known by all of his friends and family, was a life-long resident of the Kansas City metro area. He graduated from Olathe High School in 1942. He attended the University of Minnesota until WWII interrupted. Ward, a US Army veteran, was grievously wounded while fighting in the European Theater. He received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. Upon his protracted recovery, he completed his electrical engineering degree at Finley Engineering College. He retired from Carter Waters after more than 40 years as Director of Purchasing. Throughout his life, he was active in the community. He helped found the KCK branch of the DAV and was an active member of the KC Purchasing Management Association. An avid sports fan, he supported the local teams and played sports most of his life. He was a feared left hand pitcher in men's fast pitch softball leagues. One of Ward's greatest passions in life was music. Well known for his mellifluous tenor voice, he sang at many events including a KC Royals game. He enjoyed being a member of the Kansas City Men's Metro Chorus. Ward was a dedicated member of St. Mark's Methodist Church for more than 50 years, and a stalwart member of the choir. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joan; sisters Bette Tainter, and Shirlee Wilson. He is survived by sisters, Mary Randall and Sylvia Wendt; brother, Winton; daughter, Laura, and son-in law Duane, of Louisburg; grandchildren, Drew Norton and Zoe Ahlstrom; nephew Rob Wilson who was like a son to him, and many cherished nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the St. Mark's Endowment and Memorials Committee, or the Shy-Drager Syndrome/ Multiple Systems Atrophy Support Group http://www.shy-drager.org/index.htm. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 8, at St. Mark's Methodist Church, 6422 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS 66202; 913-722- 2310. Visitation will follow the service at the church. Inurnment Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Arr. D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66210; (913) 451-1860. Condolences and fond memories may be left for the family at www.dwnewcomers.com.

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Published by Kansas City Star on Aug. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ahlstrom

5 Entries

Tim Cadden

August 25, 2009

Ward was a great person to work with. I had the pleasure of working with him at Carter-Waters back in the early 80's until his retirement. He was a great mentor and always willing to share his experience with me as I was just a few years out of college. He was well liked and respected by all at Carter-Waters. His service to his country was also very much appreciated. He will be missed by all.
Tim Cadden, VP Carter-Waters LLC

Michael Legene

August 24, 2009

I was the luckest kid in greater Kansas City from August 1953 to December 1959. I lived next door to Ward. His wisdom, knowledge and understanding help me through the years, become a better person in life.
I returned to KC many times over the past 30 years or so, and usually called or stopped off at Wards house.
We even went to a few Royals games together.
If there was a book on my life, Ward would be mentioned throughout the pages and a couple of chapters would be devoted to Ward, Joan and Laura.
Ward was always there for the kids on West 82nd street.
Thank you for being my friend all those years. You are truly missed....
but never forgotten, not even for a day.
'mickey'

Marcia Hyer

August 8, 2009

Uncle Ward,
I will never forget your kind heart and kindness that your gave so freely to all who needed it. Your entire family have always been the gentlest people in the world and so thoughtful. Laura dear, I am so sorry for your LOSS. The loss of a parent is a pain that never goes away. You Mom and Dad were special people and so are you. Please tell the family How missed Ward will be.
Marcia Hyer

Warren Carter

August 4, 2009

I give thanks for Ward's gentle and kind spirit, his ability to listen, his interest in people's lives, his love of sport, and his wonderful singing voice. I also remember so gratefully his "grandfatherly" involvement with our kids and faithful and supportive presence at so many concerts and games! Truly he was a treasure.

Bob Blackwell

August 3, 2009

So sorry about Ward's death, I, Bonnie, remember Ward when he joined our 4th grade class at Washinton Grade School, I went through school with Ward, Bob Blackwell, Lenexa, came to OHS in the 9th grade, Bob & Ward were best friends through High School and went to Finley Engineering College. We knew all the Ahlstrom family, they were always a wonderful family, Mary & Ward were our cheer leaders, again our condolences. Bob & Bonnie Temple Blackwell.

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