Kenneth Stanley Koscielny, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, surrounded by his daughters at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Born September 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. While working full-time, he studied accounting and mathematics at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO.
Kenny, also known as KK, was a hard worker and loved building things and solving problems. Kenneth devoted 30 years to Southwestern Bell as an engineer and was deeply respected for his acumen and dedication. In addition to being a dedicated engineer, he was a respected CWA union representative. He participated in numerous projects including developing the communications system for the KUMed Center in the 1970s. After retiring, Kenny brought his landscaping and carpentry skills to the Church of the Holy Cross, located directly across the street from his home in Overland Park, KS. He had a wide range of interests including the Kansas City Chiefs, drawing, model making, reading, traveling, home improvement and sailing.
beloved wooden sailboat, the Cutty Sark. He loved the outdoors, including camping and fishing with his family. Each summer they took annual vacations, exploring different parts of the United States and creating precious memories together. His greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his five grandchildren, frequently traveling to 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, Kansas, and together they had two daughters, Kristy McKechnie and Tracy Connealy. He later married Pamela Sampson on December 10, 1983.
He was predeceased 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, his 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 and numerous cousins and extended family members. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30th and a Catholic Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pittsburg. Friends may call after the Mass. Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31st at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas. Family and friends are invited to attend the burial.
Kenny supported various charities and causes throughout his life, including animal welfare by providing homes for numerous stray dogs. His family invites donations to SEK Humane Society or PawPrints on the Heartland in his memory.
