Kenneth Wayne Van Pelt

JMJ Kenneth Wayne Van Pelt, 72, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., went home to his heavenly father November 18, 2010. Kenneth was born February 18, 1938, in St. Louis, Mo., to Kenneth L. and Bernice D. Van Pelt. He graduated from De La Salle Military Academy in the class of 1955, proud to be a “Brother’s Boy,� and continued his education at Donnelly College. In 1958, he married Theresa J. Sadecki, whom he loved for the rest of his life. He was the proud father of five children and their spouses, in addition to 15 grandchildren. He enjoyed celebrations and great times at the lake with his family and dearest friends. Kenneth was a very loving, generous and caring man. Working at Phelps Tool and Die for more than 40 years, Kenneth retired in 1998 after 18 years as co-owner. He was an active member of the N.T.M.A., serving as the local chapter president. Kenneth spent most of his adult life involved in St. Regis Parish, where he was a cantor at daily mass, sang in the Sunday Choir, served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and on various other councils and committees. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, De La Salle Alumni Association, generous donor to St. Vincent’s and St. James Place, among many other causes. Kenneth was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his wife, Theresa; mother, Bernice; mother-in-law, Daisy Sadecki; sister, Phyllis Birch; children, Ken Van Pelt and wife Paige, Frank Van Pelt and wife Marci, Mary Theresa Ostrander and husband Tim, Mary Kathleen Herrington and husband James, John Van Pelt and wife Mary Suzanne; grandchildren, Rachel and husband Nicholas, Aaron, Tony, Gina, Zach, Sophia, Alexandra, Maximillian, Lexie, Shawn, Kyle, Danny, Kale and Landon. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 21, at St. John Francis Regis Church, 8941 James A. Reed Rd., Kansas City, MO 64138. The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. John Francis Regis Parish or to the Christian Brothers of the Midwest, c/o Brother Thomas Hetland, FSC; 7650 S. County Line Road, Burr Ridge, IL 60527. Kenneth was an organ donor. The family extends a special thanks to the medical teams at Research Medical Center for their care and concern May God Bless all who were a part of Ken’s life.