Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Wilbur Victor Unruh

About

Bethel College Kansas State University

Wilbur Unruh Obituary

Wilbur Victor Unruh died on January 1, 2008. Bill was born to Sara Penner Unruh and John G. Unruh in Buhler, Kan., in 1915. Bill graduated from Bethel College in 1939 with a degree in Mathematics. He earned a master's degree from KSU while teaching Army soldiers electronics. Bill earned his EdD from KU in 1959. Bill began his teaching career in Lehigh and quickly took a job with Shawnee Mission Schools in 1944. He taught high school mathematics and coached football, basketball, and track. When he and another teacher started the Pep Club at Shawnee Mission North, the students gave him the nickname "Wild Bill". In 1955, Bill opened Hocker Grove Junior High as the first principal. In 1993, he was inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame. Bill was also a founding member and the first president of the Johnson County Credit Union. Bill married Ada Kathryn Ruth on May 29, 1941. They had two children: Ruth Ann and David Unruh. Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Kingswood Manor, 10000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday, January 5, at 3 p.m. The family requests that memorials be given to Old Mission Methodist Church, where the couple worshiped for many years.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilbur Unruh

17 Entries

Marcia Hesler Bailey

January 14, 2008

I can only echo the statements made by others who had the great fortune of having Mr. Unruh impact their lives both in math class and in life skills. He was one of the best educators and my favorite HS teacher. My attitude towards math changed forever because of his skillful teaching. To all his family I can only say thank you for sharing this good man with us. Bless you all.

Paul Hufstedler

January 5, 2008

During my Hocker Grove Junior High years were 1960-62, it seemed like we were drilled daily at assemblies and over the daily announcements about "the price of liberty." I marvel at how many thousands of kids must have learned a great deal about good citizenship and deportment by memorizing that slogan, courtesy of Dr. Bill Unruh.

Tim Turner

January 4, 2008

Ruth Ann

I was saddened to hear of your father's passing. I have many fond memories of him from Old Mission Methodist as well as from high school days. He was a truly gentle man. Our prayers are with you.

Charles Garver

January 4, 2008

Coach Unruh was the best teacher I ever had for both sports and mathmatics. I have never forgotten the lessons he taught me, and still reflect on them and him after all these many years. I am sorry ro hear of his passing, and give my condolences to his family.

Patricia Trueworthy

January 4, 2008

Ruth Ann,
I still remember your father's morning announcements at Hocker Grove ending with "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." I'm sure he's still "watching!" My thoughts and prayers are with you and David.

Marilyn Roy

January 4, 2008

Ruth Ann and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Katie Lilliston

January 3, 2008

I began my career with the Shawnee Mission School District as a substitute for a special education classroom at Hocker Grove. Dr. Unruh served as a significant leader and a dedicated administrator. I am sure that you have countless experiences that will be with you for the days ahead.

L Rapps (Livengood)

January 3, 2008

Dear Dave and Ruth Ann: I was so sorry to read of the loss of your Dad, Dave. I always had great admiration for him and always thought how difficult it must have been for both you and him while you were attending his school. He always had such a great personality, such energy, courtesy/respect for the students. Too bad the "kids" of today couldn't have enjoyed his approach to schooling! Again, my sincere sympathies and so sorry for your loss. Always remember he set some high standards for each of us; this challenge to you and your family are hard to deal with, but he taugh you well!!

Your classmate - Linda (Livengood) Rapps

Paul Decker

January 3, 2008

So very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Unruh as he used his life in so many good ways. My thoughts are indeed with the family. Mr. Wilbur Unruh will truly be at God's right hand.

Tom Foster

January 3, 2008

Ruth Ann,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great teacher and the best principal Hocker Grove ever had.

May you and your family feel God's peace, comfort, and strength.

With love,

Tom Foster

Diane Wilson

January 3, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Unruh. I will always remember Mr. Unruh as one of the most approachable principals I ever had. His memory will live long in the people he touched along the path of his life. May God comfort his family at this time.

Linda McGuinn

January 3, 2008

Dear Ruth Ann, David and family,
I am so sorry about your loss but know that you all shared many, many wonderful years and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Glenda Underwood Palmer

January 3, 2008

With deepest sympathy for your loss of "Coach" Unruh.

Jim Foster

January 3, 2008

Dr. Bill Unruh was a role model for me in high school at Shawnee Mission High School. He was an outstanding teacher, coach, and administrator. He was firm, but in a way that students respected and admired him. He had a great smile. His pep assemblies were classic. He will be missed. Sandra and I express our deepest sympathy to the family.

Barbara Hauck Roulier

January 3, 2008

Of all the teachers I had, "Wild Bill" had the profoundest influence on my life. I was his piano player at Old Mission in the high school Sunday School class. He was in a class all his own. I send my love and prayers to his family.

January 3, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I remember when i went to hocker grove in the 60's we called him DR Unruh. May god bless you all

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results