Joseph Blair Kubec

Joseph Blair “Joe” Kubec passed away on August 24, 2025, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 81. Born on July 16, 1944, in Leon, Iowa, Joe led a life marked by intellectual pursuit, professional accomplishment, and enduring devotion to his family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Kubec; daughter Kimberly; sons Josef (Marilyn) and Keith (Jessica); brother Wallace; grandchildren Josh (Lacey) Sheets, Shawna Boverhuis, Mason Kubec, Chance Tesch, Jayden Kubec, and Corvin Tesch; great-grandchildren Braylee Sheets, Emmett Sheets, Tobias Boverhuis, and Josiah Boverhuis; and nephews Kent Lawnsby (Shannon) and Jed Lawnsby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosalie and John Kubec; sister Elizabeth Kemerrer; and nephew Derek Lawnsby.

He also leaves behind two beloved Australian shepherds, Bogart and Bacall.

Joe spent his early years in Lamoni, Iowa, where he attended Lamoni High School. He continued his education at Graceland College, earning an associate’s degree in engineering before completing a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Iowa State University in 1967. That same year marked the beginning of his lifelong partnership with Nancy when they married and moved to Wilbraham, Massachusetts. There he pursued further education and earned an MBA from Western New England University in 1969.

His career took the family through several cities—including Cincinnati, OH; Lexington, KY; Mobile, AL and Overland Park, KS —before settling into retirement in Leawood, Kansas. Joe worked for several prominent chemical companies throughout his career including Monsanto, Parker Hanenifin, Degussa AG, C.J. Patterson, and Harcross Chemicals. In 1988, he was awarded a patent for developing Hydroxy Acid Ester Plasticized Urethane Elastomers—an accomplishment that reflected his innovation and expertise in the field.

After retiring from the chemical industry, Joe continued to share his knowledge as a part-time professor at Park University in Parkville, Missouri. He taught Labor Economics both in-person and online and contributed to the development of online coursework for other institutions.

Joe was deeply involved in his children’s lives over the years—coaching baseball and basketball teams and attending piano recitals and choral concerts. An avid cyclist, he completed multiple cross-state rides including BAK (Bike Across Kansas) and RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa). Each summer Joe and Nancy looked forward to watching the grand cycling tours: Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia. He also enjoyed playing golf and cheering on Iowa State athletics with Nancy.

A visitation will be held on September 3, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Lamoni, Iowa.

Joe’s legacy lives on through his family and those whose lives he touched through his work and passions. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.