1932
Kurt
2017
Kurt Vetsch
September 6, 1932 — October 5, 2017
Kurt Vetsch, 85, passed away October 5, 2017 at Village Shalom Memory Care in Overland Park. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Antonia Vetsch, his brother, Hansjorg Vetsch, his brother-and sister-in-law, Ernst and Pia Bichsel and his brother-in-law Rolf Berger. Visitation is Sunday, October 8, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., service 11:00, with reception following at Overland Park Funeral Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Kurt was born in Bern, Switzerland, on September 6, 1932. He was raised in St. Gallen and graduated with a business degree. His first job was with Haury and Co., a blouse manufacturer. Kurt met and fell in love with Margrit, who also worked for the company. After 2 years, Kurt moved to Lausanne, the French speaking part of Switzerland and he accepted a job with Andre & Cie., an international grain and shipping firm. Two years later, he was transferred to the London office for 10 months. Soon after returning to Lausanne, on June 15, 1957, he and Margrit got married and moved into an apartment, overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. In October 1958, Andre sent the couple to Vancouver BC, Canada, crossing the Atlantic on a company cargo ship. After being an assistant trader there, Kurt was offered a transfer to Portland, OR, where he opened a new office. He headed the trading desk and Margrit ran the office, until their first son, Chris was born. Kurt subsequently was transferred again with his new family and moved back to Lausanne. In 1965, Kurt, promoted again, continued his career with Garnac Grain, Co. Inc. in Kansas City (a subsidiary of Andre & Cie). Kurt was the wheat trader and promoted to Executive Vice President, Trading. He spent most of his career at the KC Board of Trade, of which he was a member, and appointed director for 2 years. Kurt, at 64, opted for early retirement and he continued working as an independent trader until he was 78 years old. This allowed him more leisure time and he took yearly trips to Switzerland, Maui, Hawaii, and West Palm Beach, FL., as well as river cruises the world over.
Kurt was a member and former president and treasurer of the KC Swiss Society where he enjoyed the company of many friends.
Kurt desires to be cremated and his ashes to be scattered over his beloved mountains of Steamboat CO, his 2nd home for 40 years. He loved to ski, hike, swim and play tennis there and he especially enjoyed visits of his children and grandchildren.
His survivors include his wife of 60 years, Margrit, his 2 sons, Dr. Chris Vetsch and Eric Vetsch with wife Susan, and his precious 6 grandchildren, Tara, Hailee, Shane, Abby, Anna, and Maddie; his sisters-in-law Brigitte Vetsch and Rosmarie Berger; many cousins, nieces ,nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Village Shalom, suite 2/3 and to the nurses of KC Hospice for their exceptional care right up to the time of his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Village Shalom, 5500 W 123 Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 or to KC Hospice 816-363-2600.
Kurt was born in Bern, Switzerland, on September 6, 1932. He was raised in St. Gallen and graduated with a business degree. His first job was with Haury and Co., a blouse manufacturer. Kurt met and fell in love with Margrit, who also worked for the company. After 2 years, Kurt moved to Lausanne, the French speaking part of Switzerland and he accepted a job with Andre & Cie., an international grain and shipping firm. Two years later, he was transferred to the London office for 10 months. Soon after returning to Lausanne, on June 15, 1957, he and Margrit got married and moved into an apartment, overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. In October 1958, Andre sent the couple to Vancouver BC, Canada, crossing the Atlantic on a company cargo ship. After being an assistant trader there, Kurt was offered a transfer to Portland, OR, where he opened a new office. He headed the trading desk and Margrit ran the office, until their first son, Chris was born. Kurt subsequently was transferred again with his new family and moved back to Lausanne. In 1965, Kurt, promoted again, continued his career with Garnac Grain, Co. Inc. in Kansas City (a subsidiary of Andre & Cie). Kurt was the wheat trader and promoted to Executive Vice President, Trading. He spent most of his career at the KC Board of Trade, of which he was a member, and appointed director for 2 years. Kurt, at 64, opted for early retirement and he continued working as an independent trader until he was 78 years old. This allowed him more leisure time and he took yearly trips to Switzerland, Maui, Hawaii, and West Palm Beach, FL., as well as river cruises the world over.
Kurt was a member and former president and treasurer of the KC Swiss Society where he enjoyed the company of many friends.
Kurt desires to be cremated and his ashes to be scattered over his beloved mountains of Steamboat CO, his 2nd home for 40 years. He loved to ski, hike, swim and play tennis there and he especially enjoyed visits of his children and grandchildren.
His survivors include his wife of 60 years, Margrit, his 2 sons, Dr. Chris Vetsch and Eric Vetsch with wife Susan, and his precious 6 grandchildren, Tara, Hailee, Shane, Abby, Anna, and Maddie; his sisters-in-law Brigitte Vetsch and Rosmarie Berger; many cousins, nieces ,nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Village Shalom, suite 2/3 and to the nurses of KC Hospice for their exceptional care right up to the time of his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Village Shalom, 5500 W 123 Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 or to KC Hospice 816-363-2600.
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