Park Miller Kaestner, 86, of Independence, MO passed away May 2, 2021 at Monterey Park Care Center. Funeral service held 11am Saturday, May 8th at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel with visitation one hour prior. Cremation and inurnment to take place at a later date in Rosehill Cemetery, Lamoni, IA.
Park was born June 15, 1934 in Newton, IA to Reuben and Helen (Martin) Kaestner. He graduated from Lamoni High School, Lamoni, IA in 1952. He attended Graceland and Central Missouri State Colleges and the University of Missouri Kansas City.
In 1957 he wed Anita Joy of birch Harbor, ME. In 1958, he was appointed to the Kansas City Missouri Police Department where he worked for 27 years, retiring in 1984 at the rank of Detective. As a police officer, Det. Kaestner, was known to his friend as PK, and to persons on the streets as Mr. parks. He worked patrol, was a character member of the Tactical Unit (SWAT), Det. Vice-Narcotics, and the Senior Officer in Office and Drug Abuse Law Enforcement, (O’Dale), later names DEA Task Foce. Park was the recipient of the Distinguished Medal of Honor and multiple honors of recognition for distinguished service.
Park was never one for leisure retirement life. He worked as Loss Prevention Director, western half of the US for Child World – Children’s Palace retail stores of Avon, MA for 10 years. In October of 1993, Park went to Tallinn, Estonia. Using the theme, “Police in a Democracy”, he was an instructor of Esti Police, training police officers at the Estonian national Defense Academia; making several lectures at Police Schools throughout Estonia. Experiencing the culture of a fifty yearlong oppressed Russian regime changed his attitude on life.
Afterwards he enjoyed conducting historical crime case research for certain clients and searching for his genealogical roots; discovering that his ninth grandmother, on his mother’s side, was one of the original passengers on the Mayflowers in 1620. Park’s love of travel also spurred many trips, traveling the back roads in his rebuilt 1973 MGB to the canoeing rivers of southern MO. He was an avid golfer, registering four holes-in-one.
Park loved and missed the KCPD and said he “would go back tomorrow if he could.” He is a member of the Community of Christ Church, a 32nd Degree mason, member of the East Gate Masonic Lodge 636, and past President to the Ararat Shrine Provost Club.
Det. Kaestner is survived by his wife, Anita; sons, Richard and Jeff; daughter, Joy; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at https://lovetotherescue.org
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