William Gnefkow Jr

William Joseph Gnefkow, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Independence, Missouri on Sunday, April 13, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born on December 20, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, the first son of William J. Gnefkow, Sr. and Joyce (Grant) Gnefkow. Bill started kindergarten at St. Augustine’s Grade School and completed his elementary education at St. Catherine’s Grade School, both in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated in the class of 1964 from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Central Missouri State College (now University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in History. Bill was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and he served as a member of the 26th Signal Battalion. He received an Honorable Discharge on July 2, 1971. Bill was accepted into law school and attended Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington. He concluded his law school education at University of Missouri School of Law in Kansas City, Missouri and he received his Juris Doctor Degree in May, 1976. Bill was employed by Jackson County Missouri from 1976 to 1997, first, in the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and then, as Legal Counsel in the County Counselor’s Office. In 1997, he retired from Jackson County and started his own private law practice in Independence, Missouri. Bill’s hard work at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and in his private law practice representing people, positively affected the lives of many people for over 35 years. No matter what frustrations or hardships in his life, he always maintained a philosophy of moving forward, never moving backwards, and embracing his passions. He cultivated a love of music listening to the blues which resulted in over 20 trips with his wife, Caroline, to New Orleans to enjoy the music. Bill enjoyed talking about the annual French Quarter Festival which they attended every year for 14 years. When asked why he liked New Orleans, he would say “I feel at home there and, I love the food.” When asked about his greatest achievement, he would answer, “My children.” By his example, he instilled in his children a strong work ethic and dedication to obtain higher education. All three children were raised to be passionate in their life’s pursuits. Many will remember Bill as an avid political memorabilia collector. Bill said his interest in politics started when his grandfather, Judge Bernard W. Gnefkow, took him to see John F. Kennedy speak in Kansas City, Missouri in 1960. Also, Bill was a member of the Eastern Jackson County Bar Association; Kansas City Missouri Bar Association; The American Legion, Tirey J. Ford Post 21 in Independence, Missouri; Jackson County Historical Society; Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society; Vaile Mansion Victorian Society; and the American Political Items Collectors. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Gnefkow, Sr.; and his brother, Robert Mitchell Gnefkow. Survivors include, his wife Caroline, of the home; his son, Andrew Joseph Gnefkow; daughter, Rebecca Jean Gnefkow; and step-son Thomas Alexander Carnes; his mother, Joyce (Grant) Gnefkow, Kansas City, Missouri; brothers, Mike (Susie) Gnefkow, Raymore, Missouri; Jim (Vicki) Gnefkow, Raymore, Missouri; sister Susan (Tom) Sexton, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; his aunt, Mary Sparling, Kansas City, Missouri; and his aunt and uncle, Shirley and Dan Karr, Overbrook, Kansas, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.The family would like to thank Dr. Van Veldhuizen and his staff at the Kansas University Cancer Center for their excellent care. The family is forever grateful for the compassionate care provided from the Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care during Bill’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 14500 East 42nd Street, Suite 240, Independence, Missouri 64055. A celebration of Bill’s life will be on April 26, 2014 at the Carson-Speaks Midtown Chapel, 1501 West Lexington Avenue, Independence, Missouri. The family will receive friends starting at 9:00 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the service, the inurnment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, 701 North Noland Road, Independence, Missouri. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson Speaks Chapel 816.252.7900)