Christl Maria Upchurch

Christl was born in Schweinfurt, Germany on December 29th, 1939 to Architect Wilhelm Kiesel and his wife Hedwig. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Mac and her parents. She is survived by her sister, Ursula Neuschild-Kiesel, her children Michael Upchurch and wife Lynn, her daughter Catherine Upchurch Corson and husband Mark, her four grandchildren, Alexandra and Brandon Upchurch, Kylie Corson Peebles and husband Jamie, and Mackenzie Corson.

Christl graduated from Olympia Fulvia Morata High School in Schweinfurt, Germany and then attended the Wuerzburg Academy for foreign languages where she studied English and French. She graduated with a degree as Interpreter and Translator, and Foreign Correspondent in both English and French languages. After a short employment, she met the love of her life, Mac Upchurch and they married in September 1960. Mac was a decorated veteran who served 20 years in the US Army and saw combat action in World War II and the Korean War. The family moved several times between the US and Germany, finally settling in Overland Park, Kansas in 1970.

Christl was a dedicated wife and mother who volunteered for many organizations, and enjoyed playing golf, bridge and entertaining friends in her home. She especially enjoyed teaching German to elementary and middle school students. Her outgoing personality led to many wonderful friends, both in her homeland and in the United States. Christl loved to bake and cook, and wrote a book that includes many of her beloved German recipes, along with stories of her childhood during World War II, including the survival of a bomb attack on the family home. Christl was extremely active in her Parish, the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Nativity on October 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Christl's name to KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, KU Endowment - Alzheimer's Research, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 3012, Kansas City, KS 66160.