Burt Wagenknecht, 89, Liberty, Missouri died August 21, 2015. A celebration of his life will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 28 at Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset, Liberty, MO with visitation from 9:30 until service time. Interment will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Liberty United Methodist Church or Children’s Mercy Hospital. Burt was born September 9, 1925 in Washington County, Iowa to Rudolph and Edna Wagenknecht. He was a combat veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII and was awarded The Purple Heart and The Combat Infantryman Badge. A career teacher and educator, Burt held a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Kansas. His teaching career spanned over 50 years culminating in his position as Professor of Biology and Chairman of the Science Department at William Jewell College in Liberty. Burt was a long time member of Liberty United Methodist Church where he faithfully taught adult Sunday School. He was a life member of the American Philatelic Society and for over 20 years volunteered at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Burt was a Master in Duplicate Bridge, a stamp collector, an avid reader, and an expert historian. He enjoyed golf and he loved to travel. Burt was preceded in death by his son, Paul R. Wagenknecht, Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and his sister, Ruth I. Reneger. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Leota (Lee) Wagenknecht; daughters, Beth Curasi and husband Richard of Liberty, Laura Wagenknecht of Kansas City, and Lisa Wagenknecht of Holt, and a grandson, David Curasi of Kansas City. The family expresses sincere thanks to the Staff at Valley Manor, Excelsior Springs, MO and to the Nursing and Support Staff from Three Rivers Hospice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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