Carl William Herre Jr.

Dr. Carl William Herre, of the Santa Marta community in Olathe, KS, passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2016, at the Kansas City Hospice House. Bill, as his friends and family knew him, was a wonderful man who had many talents. He was a gifted artist, and over his life he had a passion for wood sculpting, and later in his retirement he was a prolific and talented water colorist. This came naturally to him, as his mother and sister were also talented artists. After graduating from Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri, he enrolled at the Kansas City Art Institute as he won a full scholarship, and his passion was born. During his life he never lost his love of art, even taking professional lessons in sculpting and watercolor. After one year at the Art Institute he enlisted in the Navy, during WWII. He entered the Navy Medical Corp and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands where he worked in a hospital. It was there that he developed a love for a future in the health profession.

After the war, he enrolled in the University of Kansas City to obtain his undergraduate degree and his requirements for entrance in dental school. Following this he was accepted to Kansas City Western Dental School in Kansas City. Prior to his first year, he worked as a tour guide for Berry tours to earn money to pay for Dental School. He was an active member of his class, a member of Xi PSI PHY fraternity and Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary fraternity. He graduated in 1953 and then began private practice as a solo practitioner in the Brookside area until 1974. He then moved his practice to Overland Park on College Blvd when it was just a gravel road. He practiced by himself as a solo dentist for most of his career but was joined by his sons Craig and Scott as his partners during the 80’s and early 90’s. Bill retired from dentistry December 31, 1992, leaving behind many wonderful friends, patients, and colleagues. As a dentist he will always be remembered for his wonderful clinical skills, kindness and integrity. He became a friend to all those he served.

He was active in organized dentistry and served in many capacities. He was a past Secretary and Treasurer of the Kansas City Dental Society, a member of the Missouri Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, American Dental Association and the Fifth District Dental Society. He also served his local and state societies on numerous councils and committees.

Bill treasured his beloved lake house and all of the wonderful times spent there. He had a tremendous love for the outdoors and had a passion for exercise that was unrivaled. He was an early riser who never wanted to miss a minute of the day he had been given. He genuinely loved life.

Bill was born on April 29th, 1926, in Flint, Michigan, to Elizabeth Schwartz Herre and Carl William Herre. From there he went to Faribault, MN, at the age of 5. He then moved to Kansas City in the early 1930’s with his family as his dad took a new job with TWA. He married Marian Ruth Sorg in 1951 with Marian’s grandfather, Rev. Christopher Sorg, officiating the wedding. They met at church and were blessed to have 65 wonderful years of marriage together. Marian and Bill have three sons, Craig (Joanne), Chris (Marcia) and Scott (Jennifer). He also has a sister Nancy Ridge Gardner of Overland Park who survives him. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Timothy Herre, William Herre (Rochelle), Megan Davis (Tim), Lindsay Herre, Emily Herre and Kristen Herre as well as three great grandchildren, Max and Leo Davis and Henry Herre. He also has many nieces and nephews and other extended family. His sister Elizabeth Duffie preceded him in death.

Bill will be remembered as a man with a keen sense of humor and his love for all people. He will live in our hearts forever. We will miss him greatly, and he forever and always will be with us.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nursing staff at Santa Marta Retirement Community and the special caregivers from Kansas City Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care. You filled his final journey with love and compassion.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be at Asbury United Methodist Church on April 16th, 2016, at 1:00pm with a reception to follow. A private Cremation memorial service will take place at Mount Moriah. Memorial donations can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.