Jerry Kanies

Jerry Kanies was born October 26, 1937 in Rosati, Missouri and departed this life on August 1, 2017 at his home in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family, at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 6 days.

He was the son of August B. and Mary (O’Malley) Kanies. Jerry spent his younger years in Chillicothe, Missouri and graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy. While in high school, Jerry was very active in Scouting and earned his Eagle Scout Award, which was presented to him by Harry S. Truman.

After graduation, Jerry’s family moved to Owensboro, Kentucky, where, while on a blind date, he met Patricia Ann Ripberger, and on August 26, 1961 they were united in marriage in Tell City, Indiana. After their marriage, they made their home in Owensboro.

In 1962, Jerry and Pat moved to the Kansas City area where they lived until 1972 when they moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri to make their home.

In 1978, Jerry started his own company, Janco Store Fixtures, which he operated until his retirement in 1995.

After his retirement, Jerry and Pat traveled many places across the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. One of the highlights of a trip to the west coast was walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Jerry was a “car racing” buff, enjoying both open wheel and NASCAR. He especially enjoyed attending the “Indy 500” every year with his sons and his best friend, Stewart Iliff.

Jerry was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #4282. Jerry loved spending time at his lake home with family, friends and especially his grandson, Jacob. He could always be found sitting on the back porch listening to his favorite country music singer, Johnny Cash.

Jerry was preceded in death by one son, Mike Kanies; his parents, August and Mary Kanies; one brother, Joe, and six sisters, Mary Magdalen, Gertie, Monica, Rita, Madonna and Lavonne.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Kanies of the home; two sons, Tony Kanies of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Bobby Kanies and Simone Fort of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two daughters, Vicky VanLue and husband Brad of Rayville, Missouri, and Nancy Laning and husband Clifford of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; one brother, Bernard Kanies and wife Lee of Independence, Missouri; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Cremation has been accorded, and the family will host a Celebration of Life on August 26, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill City Lake.

Contributions, “In Memory of Jerry Kanies” may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64114-9937.