Kathryn D. Spurny

Otto Maria Spurny was born in Vienna, Austria, the youngest child of Franz and Margarete ( Strammer) Spurny. His mother was a gentle school teacher who taught him a love of books and learning. He was always more at home in a library than on an athletic field.

After World War II, Otto took a part time job in the home of American Lieutenant Colonel Shovar and later worked for Edward A. Mag of the American Legation in order to meet his financial challenges. He received his medical degree from the University of Vienna .

He came to the United States in 1951. In order to practice medicine in the U.S., he was required to repeat his senior year of medical school. Upon completion he interned at Menorah Medical Center where he met his bride, Kathryn, a Registered Nurse. Otto and Kathryn married April 26, 1952 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Topeka, KS. They moved to Little Rock, AK, where he finished his cardiology training and spent his residency. While in Little Rock, their twin boys, William and Robert were born.

The young Spurny family returned to Kansas City where Dr. Spurny joined practice with Dr. Jack Wolfe. Dr. Spurny was board certified in cardiology and internal medicine and served as President of the Medical Staff at Menorah Medical Center 1978-1980. In addition to Menorah Hospital, he was on the staff of Baptist Hospital and a number of area hospitals. He enjoyed teaching medical students and continued to study and review medical advances and breakthroughs throughout his life, attending lectures and symposiums. A dedicated and caring physician, Dr. Spurny served thousands of grateful patients who often referred to him as family since he cared for several generations of their family members.

He volunteered as Medical Director for Little Sisters of the Poor and House Doctor from 1964-2014.

After officially retiring from the Kansas City Medical Group at the age of 80, he volunteered as a physician at the Kansas City Free Health Clinic until June 2014.

He dedicated his service annually participating in worldwide mission trips to Fiji and the Ukraine until 2013. He continues to contribute, even in death and has donated his body to the University of Kansas for medical research.

Traveling the world, reading history and hiking were his hobbies. He absorbed history books like a sponge and he was quite the adventurer: scuba diver, mountaineer, water skiier and hunter. At age 63 he scaled the heights of Mount Killamanjaro and hiked the Grand Canyon from North rim to the south rim at the age of 73. One of his favorite pictures was of him atop 19 thousand foot mount Chimborazo in white-out conditions with icicles hanging from his parka hood and goggles. He shared many wonderful experiences with lifelong friends from his internship days, Dr. John Neuenschwander, Dr. Federico Adler and Dr. Roger Lambie. He worked long hours but enjoyed life to the fullest.

Kathryn Dennon Spurny was born in Tecumseh, Kansas, to Clyde and Elizabeth (Kreipe) Dennon. She loved her family farm and kept it close in her heart. After graduating high school, Kathryn attended the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas and graduated a Registered Nurse. She moved to Kansas City and practiced at Menorah Medical Center where she met her future husband, Dr. Otto Spurny.

After their sons Bill and Bob were born, Kathryn gave up her career and became a homemaker for her family. She became active in the Westport Historical Society and was a member of the Republican Woman’s Club. She was also a lifetime member of the Lecompton Historical Society.

Like her husband, Kathryn was an avid reader and shared a love of history. They also shared many lovely trips together.

Kathryn was very generous and gave her time to anyone in need. She loved to tell a story and was known for embellishment and wit.

Kathryn and Otto were active members of St. Peter’s Parrish.

Survivors include sons William (Candace) of Lee’s Summit, MO and Robert (Margaret) of Meza, AZ; grandchildren, Jonathan of New York, NY and Elizabeth of Omaha, NE.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Little Sisters of the Poor.

Interment of Kathyrn’s ashes will be held Sunday, August 2, 10:00 a.m., Big Springs Cemetery, Kansas.

Condolences may be left online at www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com. Arrangements, McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. (816) 942-6180.