Kenneth Stanley Koscielny, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.
Born on Sept. 11, 1938, in Kansas City, MO, to Stanley and Anna Koscielny (Sterk). He attended St Joseph’s Polish Catholic School in Kansas City, KS, was a kicker on the football team, and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1956. He studied accounting and math at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO while working full time.
Kenny, also known as KK, was a hard worker and loved to build things and problem solve. Kenneth dedicated 30 years to Southwestern Bell as an engineer and was deeply respected for his acumen and commitment. Not only was he a committed engineer, but also a respected CWA Union Steward. He contributed to numerous projects, including helping to design the communications system for KUMed Center in the 1970s. After retirement, Kenny contributed his skills in landscaping and carpentry at The Church of the Holy Cross, located just across the street from his home in Overland Park, KS. He had a wide range of interests, the Kansas City Chiefs, sketching, model building, reading, traveling, DIY home improvement and sailing his
beloved wooden sailboat, the Cutty Sark. He had a great love for the outdoors including camping and fishing with his family. Each summer, they embarked on annual vacations, exploring various parts of the United States and creating treasured memories together. His greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his five grandchildren, traveling frequently to attend their various sporting events and school activities.
Kenny married Mary Jane Hanis on June 24, 1961, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS, and together they had two daughters, Kristy McKechnie and Tracy Connealy. He later married Pamela Sampson on Dec. 10, 1983.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Anna Koscielny, his first wife, Mary Jane (Hanis) Riney, and his second wife, Pamela (Sampson) Koscielny, and his dear friend Mimi Laswell.
Kenneth is survived by his daughters, Kristy McKechnie of Arcadia, KS, Tracy Connealy (Chuck) of Leawood, KS, sisters Mary Ann Baker of Mission, KS, and Peg (Joe) Bertels of Dallas, TX, his grandchildren, Austin and Jackson McKechnie, Joel, Carly and Nathan Connealy, his 2 nephews, Don (Tabatha) and Ron (Kathy) Baker and 3 nieces, Mary (Ron) Perotta, Teresa (Tommy) Gallagher and Catherine Bertels and their families, along with numerous cousins and extended family members. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and Catholic Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30th at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pittsburg. Friends may call after the Mass. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, Aug. 31st at 11 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend the burial.
Kenny supported various charities and causes throughout his life, including animal welfare, by providing homes to numerous stray dogs. His family encourages donations to the S.E.K. Humane Society or PawPrints on the Heartland in his memory.
