Marion Ruth Koczur

Marion Koczur lived in Independence, Missouri and was 83 years old. She passed away peacefully at her home.

Marion was born on May 4, 1943 in Saskatchewan, Canada. She was adopted by Norman and Nora Burgomaster. She joined an older brother and eventually had a younger sister and two younger brothers. Marion’s father, a minister, moved the family to the United States and ended up in Buckner, Missouri.

Marion graduated from Fort Osage High School in the class of 1961. In school, she was a shy student. She did well in her classes and joined the high school marching band. She played the drums and the glockenspiel. Years later, her grandson would follow in her marching band footsteps.

After graduating, Marion lived with her friends in Kansas City, Missouri. She enjoyed being a single woman and living life on her terms. She attended night school to further her career in business. This is when she truly developed a love of fashion. She would make and purchase clothes in the latest styles. Later in life, Marion would continue a love of clothing and accessories. She was a master at selecting the perfect outfit.

Marion met her soulmate, Paul Koczur in Kansas City, Missouri. They started out as friends and often met after dates, with other people, to compare notes. Eventually, they realized they were in love and married in February 1967. During their courtship and marriage, they had some wild parties. The story stands, during one party, the women snuck out the back window while the police were at the front door. In addition to their partying, Marion and Paul were sports fans. They had Chiefs season tickets. Marion even attended Chiefs games while pregnant with Krissie: therefore, cementing Krissie as a literal lifelong Chiefs fan.

Marion worked in accounting. While she had several jobs, she worked at BMA for over 30 years. During those years, she developed lasting relationships. Those friendships led to fun events. The friendship group performed a lip sync to “Purple People Eater” and won second place. The group attended various events around town, including Concordia’s dirty parade and beer garden and Sugar Creek’s Slavic festival. Many times this group ended the evening with a late night dinner at Shoney's. After retiring, she continued to work in accounting for various small businesses.

She was an active member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence, MO. She enjoyed playing the bells, singing in the choir, counting church donations, and volunteering for various church groups and events. Marion enjoyed the comradery of her fellow volunteers during such events as the St. Joseph Table and the Lent Fish Fries. For many years, Marion also loved crocheting blankets, especially for new babies.

Marion and Paul enjoyed camping. They were some of the first members of the Lake Paradise Camping Club. They joined in May 1978 and their membership number was 0067. They spent many summers basically living at that lake during the weekends. They started with a tent and progressed to a camper shell on their truck. Eventually, they moved up to popup campers, travel trailers, and even motor homes. Later, in retirement, Marion and Paul would become “Snow Birds” and head south during the winter months. They made sure to return home for their grandson’s birthday each year.

Marion was a great mother to Krissie. She forced Krissie to “enjoy” nature by going fishing and camping. Luckily, Marion shared her love of reading with Krissie. (Much to Krissie’s husband’s chagrin as she now has a ton of books around the house.) Marion and Krissie would both spend time at home, at the campsite, and even at the pool voraciously reading novels.

Marion also shared her love of music and the arts with Krissie. Krissie was enrolled in dance class at the age of six. This eventually led to many years of competitive dance. Marion and Paul were incredibly supportive parents. They spent hours at competitions, moved props, made costumes and eventually became part of the performance themselves.

This love of dance and performance was shared by Marion and Krissie throughout life. Together, they attended many theater performances. They agreed they preferred big musicals. Marion continued the part of theater and performance patron as Krissie continued her performance career. Marion attended college performances with “weird” choreography and she continued that support when Krissie taught dance and coached a high school dance team. Marion always attended as support for her daughter and the other performers.

Family was very important to Marion. She and Paul traveled to see various family members around the US and Canada. Over the years, not only did they fly but they also drove their RV to see family. Marion also welcomed family any time they visited the Kansas City area. Sometimes it was for a quick meal and other times a full holiday. Yet, her love of family was more than that. She also welcomed friends and family into her house. Once in the door, she treated everyone as one of her own.

Marion loved being a grandma to Camden. She was always the first one there to help him in any way. She attended all of his varied events, T-ball, football, basketball, school and band concerts, marching band (proudly wearing her Drumline Memaw shirt), and every birthday party. The two of them would have great conversations. Not only did she attend his events, she conspired with Paul to give Camden too much candy, including a two foot tall chocolate Easter bunny, and every toy the child wanted. Marion proudly attended Camden’s high school graduation in 2023, always cheering him on to his next adventure.

Marion is preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Koczur, her parents Norman and Nora Burgomaster, her brothers John and Sam Burgomaster, and various loved pets. Marion is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kris and Darryl Hicks, and her grandson Camden Hicks. She is also survived by her siblings, brother and his wife, Fred and Mary Ellen Burgomaster, and her sister Kathy Marley, and many nieces and nephews. Her God daughter Sami Smith (and family). Finally, she is survived by her Shih Tzu companion and fur baby Maddy, as well as many cherished friends.

As Marion preferred a party over a funeral, the family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, October 25th from 1-4pm at Lake Paradise Resort in Lone Jack, Mo. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Jude's.