Francis J. “Frank” Degenhardt, 87, Retired Landscape Manager, died Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Mass at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO.
Preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Alice Degenhardt; sisters, Rosie, Ellie, and Bernita; brother, Romauld.
Survived by his daughter, Karen (Bill) Smith of Wichita, KS; sons, Kalon (Geri) Degenhardt of Ridgedale, MO, Korey Degenhardt of Blue Eye, MO; grandchildren, Connor (Katie) Smith, Ian (Morgan) Smith, both of Rose Hill, KS, Ross (Amanda) Degenhardt of Covington, LA, Ana (Andrew) Clement of Mandeville, LA; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Vera) Degenhardt of Kirksville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Christian Action Ministries, 2400 State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO 65626.
From his family:
Our dad was born and raised around Loretta, Kansas. Loretta consisted of a catholic church, baseball diamond, and a small grocery store. The community consisted of small family farms, and everyone worked together in times of need. Youngest of six siblings, dad was born July 31, 1936. His family was not wealthy, but dad always reminded us he never went hungry and was very thankful. As a boy growing up, dad loved baseball, horseshoes, and later enjoyed dancing and bowling. He attended church often and was typically the only server for the priests who said mass at the Loretta Catholic Church. He served mass for Father Emil Kapaun on many occasions who is currently being considered for Sainthood by the Catholic Church. Dad attended high school at St. Joseph's College & Military Academy, Hays, Kansas and graduated May 1955. He then enlisted in the US Army and served three years from October 1956 to October 1959 including 2 years in Germany. One month later was married to Mary Ellen and three kids later, Kalon 1960, Karen 1962, & Korey 1968; kept dad and mom very busy!!
Dad spent his early married years living in Wichita, Kansas working in the floor covering business. First as a salesman and later transitioned to self-employment under the business name 'Frank's Carpet Service. After many successful years in the floor covering business, the decision was made in 1992 to move to the Branson, Missouri area where he became the landscape manager for Big Cedar Lodge. A position which he truly enjoyed and held for 15 years. Dad never met a stranger and loved to visit with the guests about where they were from and usually ending with compliments on the beautiful grounds. He also received numerous employee awards for excellence in service.
During his retirement years, dad looked forward to serving his home parish 'Our Lady of the Lake' however he could. He ushered at mass, was a member of the prayer chain group, and volunteered at many parish functions. He was famous for his dancing skills at the annual spaghetti dinner, never sitting down once the music started. He also volunteered at Christian Action Ministries (CAM) once a week helping to sort and distribute food to those of need in the community.
After a lot of coaxing, dad traveled to Indonesia and Kuwait to visit Kalon and his family. There were many great times during his visits. While in Indonesia, dad hung out with all the spouses', playing cards and golf. He loved it. While in Kuwait, dad always liked to walk the beach to collect shells until security forces arrested him because they thought he was an intruder!
Korey always maintained a close relationship with dad, especially during those holidays when dad was alone. Korey would cook holiday meals and watch sports with dad.
Summertime was always special for him because his grandkids would visit and eventually great grandkids to enjoy some lake time. The family has been loving the Table Rock Lake area for four generations now. Frank was also well known in his neighborhood (Clearwater Acres), and truly loved living in the community. He always had an American Flag displayed and his yard was well-manicured. He was very proud to call the Ozarks his HOME.
It became apparent in his later years that dad was suffering from dementia. He managed to live on his own until the last couple of years. Dad was moved to Wichita for memory care which enabled Karen and dad extra time to enjoy one another's company. His nephew Paul also visited him on a regular basis, which the family will be forever grateful. Thankfully, dad recognized all his family until God called him home. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for his prayer & faith in God, kindness, generosity, love of music and dancing up a storm whether he had a partner or not.
Rest in peace dad. We will always love you!
~ Kalon, Karen, & Korey
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.