Leonard B. McKinzie

Leonard Bernard McKinzie, 85, Overland Park, was called to be with God on August 9, 2015, at home surrounded by his family. Leonard was born on July 6, 1930, near Boonville, MO. He was the 4th of 6 children born to William and Flora (Wesselman) McKinzie. Leonard was a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School in Boonville. In 1951, he was drafted into the army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. He served 2 years active duty and six years in the army reserves after which he was honorably discharged. He married the love of his life, Eulalia Ellen Felten, in 1953 and they moved to Independence, MO to begin their life together.

Leonard started in the grocery business, working for the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company

(A&P) and in 1961 he opened his own store. For 42 years, Leonard operated Cherokee United Super located at 95th and Antioch in Overland Park Kansas, later known as Cherokee Sun Fresh.

Leonard was very involved in the business community and served as an organizing member of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. Leonard was involved in many business ventures, mostly successful. As a business man, a problem solver and a friend, he was often called upon in difficult times. He was always up for the challenge and very generous to those in need.

Leonard and Ellen have been long time members of Cure of Ars Catholic Church, where he served as chairman of the building committee for the new church in 1979. He enjoyed being a charter member of the Serra Club and was active in many charitable organizations. He was passionate about the value of Catholic education and was a long time board member and supporter of the Catholic Education Foundation of NE Kansas.

Later in life, Leonard's passion was to frequent the sale barn, buy and sell cattle, and enjoy Sunnybrook, the farm he used as an escape from city life. Leonard's favorite activity was to spend a Sunday afternoon at Sunnybrook with his family, enjoying his children and grandchildren who would often stop by for impromptu horse-back riding, four-wheeling, and cookouts.

He is survived by his wife Ellen of almost 62 years, his sister Frances Zamora (Miguel), his children Mark McKinzie (Mary Pat), Linda McKinzie (Sue Kamler), Carol Kuhlmann (Kurt), Paul

McKinzie, his grandchildren Katie Seal (Jason), Brandon McKinzie, Daniel McKinzie (Megan),

John Kuhlmann (Meghan), Sarah Kitts (Sean), Stephen Kuhlmann, Zachary McKinzie, Avery

McKinzie and his great grandchildren, Brett, Bailey and Benjamin Seal.

He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was loved by many and will be forever missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday August 12, 4-7 p.m. at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission

Road, Leawood, KS. Rosary will be at 4 p.m. with visitation to follow. Mass of Christian Burial will

be 10:30 a.m. Thursday August 13 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, interment in Resurrection

Cemetery with a luncheon at the church immediately following the interment. In lieu of flowers,

memorial contributions may be made to The Catholic Education Foundation, 12615 Parallel

Parkway, KC, KS 66109.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com.

Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.