Kansas City, MO.
Joe was born on October 7, 1928 to Catherine and George Presko
in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1946. A
devoted husband and best friend to his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen O’Laughlin
Presko, with whom he celebrated over 70 years of marriage. Joe was a major league
baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers in the 1950’s.
A dedicated father to his four sons Joe Jr. (Laura), Terry (Gina), Tim (Sherri), Robert
(Julie) and three daughters Barbara Hughes, Nancy Schmitz (Kevin) and Dr. Kim
Presko. Amazing grandfather to his nine grandsons Brett, Cam, Casey, Nick, Bryce,
Andrew, Garrett, Luke Presko and Jeremy Schmitz and four granddaughters Hilary
Miller, Angie Dust, Jillian Sansone and Kaitlyn Presko. Joe was the great-grandfather
of 17 and the favorite uncle and friend to many. He leaves behind his siblings Mary
Ann Stock, Sandy Schunck, Janet Schuchard, and Dr. John Van Hevel. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his siblings George Jr., Marianne Horn, Jim and
Tom Van Hevel.
Joe truly loved spending time with his family especially attending sporting events and
activities of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed
crossword puzzles, playing games, painting, fishing and watching sporting events.
Joe dedicated his talents by coaching and mentoring many northland youth baseball
players for over 20 year and volunteering at the St. James Food Pantry. Joe enjoyed
the daily mail requesting autographs of baseball cards and memorabilia. Through life
and death, Joe was a competitor and did not give up, but always remained humble
and kind. Joe was fortunate to travel the world and pray at the Vatican and Fatima.
He created memories with his family and friends traveling to Australia, Europe,
Branson and spring training. Joe and Kathleen were founding members of the St.
Charles and St. Andrews Catholic Churches in the northland.
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00am followed by a Catholic Mass on Saturday, Feb. 9
at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 900 NE Shady Lane Drive, KCMO 64118.
Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Charles Borromeo
Catholic Church Restoration Project.
