John Egner

John M. Egner passed away on April 6, 2022 at the age of 91, beside his wife of 61 years and surrounded by his extended family both in person and online. He closed his eyes for the last time after a short stay at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, KS.

John was born in Topeka, KS on December 7, 1930, the middle child of Percy R. and Edith F. (née Troxell) Egner and grew up at the family homestead near Ozawkie in Jefferson County. John is preceded in death by his mother and father; his sister Dorothy M. Ogan and her husband Billy G. Ogan; and survived by his sister Irene T. Bolam; and 5 nieces and nephews.

Upon graduating from Washburn University in Topeka, KS in 1951, John fulfilled his service to the nation in the US Air Force as a reserve officer before he began teaching at Highland Park Elementary School in Topeka, KS while pursuing his Masters degree in Education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. During this time he met the love of his life, Kathryn Hancock, also a school teacher in Topeka. They were married in June 1960. John moved to the IBM Corporation at that time, with a career spanning 28 years in education and systems engineering roles.

John and Kathy's family grew to include sons John W. (Bill) and wife Laurie (née McGhee) of Aledo, TX; Robert K. (Bob) and wife Susan (née Snook) of Yorkville, IL; and Mark D. and wife Katrina (née Lange) of Seattle, WA. John is survived by Kathy and his extended family including 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

John loved his wife, his family, his community, and his country. He could always find a humorous or poignant story to share, recalling events or history of his well-researched family. He was quick to offer a helping hand and was generous with his time in service of others in need.

A private family memorial service was held at the Brookdale Overland Park Chapel during the summer.