John Edward Benich
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John Edward Benich, beloved husband, uncle and friend, died peacefully in his Kansas City home on February 12, 2019. He was 67. John died after a nearly 2-year battle with colon cancer. He lived life to the fullest, even after his cancer diagnosis. He loved to travel; eating, drinking and taking in the culture and art of the cities he visited. John was always the life of the party, radiating warmth and humor.
He was born to John and Yvonnette (Johnson) Benich on August 3, 1951. John inherited his love of sports from his dad, who coached John and his teammates in community baseball leagues. He attended Van Horn High School and still maintains strong friendships with his fellow Class of ’69ers. John made life-long friends “Baker Buddies” at Baker University, where he graduated in 1973 with majors in Political Science and Radio Broadcasting. He was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, Beta Tau Chapter.
John worked with the railroad after college where his job required him to live for 6 months in various cities. He fell in love with New Orleans, before moving to Santa Barbara where he managed a band and learned woodworking. When his mother’s health changed, he came back to Kansas City and started his own custom woodworking shop, Prairie Woodcrafters and Designers. He met his wife, Kathy, in 1988 and they married in the summer of 1992. They shared a love of travel, art, nature and spending time with friends and family.
John will be missed dearly by his wife, Kathy; nephews, Cory and Christopher Burnam; niece Amanda Burnam; 4 great-nieces; 1 great-nephew; and cousins, Larry Garvin, Gary Garvin and Donna McLear.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Sunday, March 3 at 4:00 PM at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art at 4420 Warwick Boulevard in Kansas City, MO. Please join us for food, memories and laughter. In lieu of flowers or a donation, please consider getting screened for colon cancer or encouraging a friend or family member to do so.
Visits: 3
I hired John to install a butcher block cabinet-top in my home in 1985. Somehow we remained peripherally connected through the years and I last saw he and Kathy at a benefit event where we spent an evening of laughter and fun that I won’t soon forget. He had a big heart, a big smile and a huge zest for life. I’m so sorry for your loss, Kathy!
Kathy, I am so sad to hear about John. Amelia has been giving me updates, sorry for your loss. He was always a good and fun man, and you two a beautiful couple.
John was such a kind, beautiful soul! He touched many lives! We are so sorry for your loss Kathy! He will be missed!
Kathy — We’re so saddened to hear of John’s passing. You have our deepest sympathies. We were deeply blessed by our friendship with the Benich family over the years! John’s love and respect for his parents will always be remembered. May you experience comfort and peace!
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Kathy. John’s friendship, warm smile, gracious demeanor, and sneaky humor will be so very missed! The love and respect that you two demonstrated was a model of love between two people, and left an imprint on many I’m sure. John left this world too soon, but he left it a better place for having been here.
I know you’re Wondering what life we’ll be like in next chapter of your life without John jr. in your life. I have no doubt that you will survive this challenge triumphantly! John was a sweet and so kind! Showed his special gratitude when he said those two kind words
“THANK YOU” John was one of the niceest, kindest, and thoughtful people I’ve known and that doesn’t go unnoticed! A great guy and I am so sorry that cancer took his life. I know this is a difficult time for you, you will fine positive ways to handle this disappointment that the treatments were not successful and for that I am disappointed too! Bless your heart kathy for showing so much love to John! I’m thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts for you and your family!
Kathy I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. John and Steve were the first friends I made when I moved to KC after my divorce. They were so great to me and my kids and now my grandkids. He will be missed by all.
Kathy, on behalf of your friends and colleagues at Deloitte, we are very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and your collective families. May John rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about John. He was a great pledge father as really helped me transition from coming Connecticut to Baker University. He will truly be missed.
I’m so grateful to have been able to spend a short time with you both. It was truly a pleasure to witness your love for each other. I’m so very sorry for your loss
Kathy, already you are working towards grieving well and recovering well from your devastating loss of John. You two enjoyed life together to the full, traveling and celebrating your life and love even in these last two difficult years, taking advantage of his energy whenever possible. I appreciated the FB post w pictures from places near and far as you were by his side with smiles and encouragement all the way. Blessings and prayers for your process of learning to live again without John. His love remains, as u will discover.
John was the only first cousin I had. My mother was John’s father’s sister. He had such a great outlook on life. I am so glad he found Kathy, the love of his life. I will miss him so.
John was more like a brother than just my friend. Such a nice gentleman that enjoyed all that life had to offer. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much as the times that I spent with John and Kathy. Now I alternate between laughing at the memories I have and crying for the loss of my good friend. My deepest sympathy Kathy on the loss of your best friend and “sweetie” husband. Hugs and prayers as you work through the grief.
Rest In Peace John. You will be missed by all that knew you. Best wishes to Kathy and family during this very sad time. Dennis Minzes
hello we wish you all the best condolences and our prayers are with all of you. Just heard about it. We try to do the best of what is possible. Please write . It is important to keep in touch.