Frank Feindel

Frank Otto Feindel entered eternal rest peacefully on February 23, 2024, surrounded by family. He arrived in the world on September 1^st, 1928, and was joyfully welcomed by his father, Herbert, his mother Ida Marie (nee Christiansen), his brother, Herbert Jr., and his sister, Betty. 

As a young boy, his family managed to create many wonderful memories despite the Great Depression (1929-1939). His mother worked hard to create delicious meals out of a few ingredients. His favorites were hash stew and cherry pie. Frank would help wherever he could, including fishing with his dad to earn extra money for the family. He enjoyed drawing and painting. With limited supplies, he practiced drawing the comics and decorated the walls of his “bedroom,” which was an unheated skiff that was taken off the river. 

Frank entered the Navy in July 1948 and served for four years during the Korean War. He shared that he “learned” to swim by being thrown off the ship. Through the military, he saw parts of the world he never dreamed he would see. One of his favorite visits was to Italy, where he purchased a music box through his creative pantomime. When he had finished his military service, he made another trip to Italy to accompany an orphan who was being adopted by a couple anxiously awaiting in the United States. 

His life changed forever when he was introduced to a beautiful, brown-eyed Croatian girl, Virginia (Ginny) May Thomas at Sacred Heart Church in Bonner Springs, Kansas. She introduced him to the Catholic faith, and he converted. He found his mission in life – to serve the Lord and make a difference for his family and community. 

Frank and Virginia married in June 1964. Soon they were joined by 4 children in 7 years: Roseanne, Joan, Michael, and Shawn. Frank let go of his dream of an art career and took a job at Trans World Airlines (TWA) in stores. He worked there for 42 years, gathering parts needed for aircraft repairs and maintenance. He used his talent in art by creating elaborate retirement posters for his coworkers. 

One of his proudest achievements was when Pope John Paul II made a trip to the United States. After the visit, the items used by the Pope were given away to the employees at TWA. Frank contacted his home parish (St. John the Baptist) and asked if they wanted anything for the Strawberry Hill Museum. As a result, the museum obtained the Pontiff’s bed and other items. On another Papal visit, the museum (with Frank’s intervention) gave TWA the items back. The Pope had a wonderful trip and at the conclusion of the visit, the entire collection was donated to the museum. 

Frank and Ginny’s family grew as their children married. Roseanne married David Murphy; Joan married Michael Ryburn; Michael married Sandra Littchum, and Shawn married Hannah Reed. 

Frank was a devout Catholic who volunteered at St. John the Baptist in Kansas City, Kansas. He counted money, was a lector, Eucharistic minister, and tireless volunteer! When the family moved to Olathe, he once again began serving God by helping wherever needed – unlocking the church early in the morning and preparing the church for daily mass. 

He loved to travel and enjoyed having a glass of red wine. He was an avid reader and was knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, from gardening to politics. He loved watching the Wagon Train Series and Hallmark movies. 

He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren: Patrick (and his wife Patty) Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Cara Murphy, Alex Ryburn, Sara Ryburn, Dusty Seifert (and his wife Laura), Eleora Feindel, Ethan Feindel, and Isabella Feindel. He will also be deeply missed by his great-grandchildren: Lessly Murphy, Benjamin Murphy, Marcus Norris, and Catherine Seifert. 

The entire family will miss his jokes, words of wisdom, and his reminders of when there was a time change. No one will grieve him more than his beloved wife Ginny. She is his #1 fan. She tenderly cared for him during their entire marriage, and even more through the countless challenges of his final months. 

The family would like to thank Prince of Peace Parish (Olathe) for all their support over the years, especially the Eucharistic ministers (Team 3). 

A special thank you to the angels of Catholic Community Hospice, who helped keep Frank comfortable in his last weeks on earth, especially Kim (social worker), Corrine and Cecelia (nurses), Willard (aide) Sarah (music therapist) and Deacon Joe. You are all a blessing to the families you serve. 

We are all comforted knowing that Frank is with Jesus, that he is in a place where there is no suffering, no pain, and no sadness. And we know that although we all miss him terribly and feel his absence on this earth, we know that when God calls each of us home, that we will be reunited with our beloved Frank. Frank is a loving husband, devoted father, caring grandfather, who touched the lives of everyone he encountered. We love you.

Services will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 16000 W 143rd St, Olathe, KS 66062, with a Visitation taking place on Friday, March 1st, 2024, from 10:00am - 11:30am, with a Rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30am - 12:30pm, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 1150 N 38th St, Kansas City, KS 66102.

In leu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Prince of Peace Catholic Church,16000 W 143rd St, Olathe, KS 66062, or to Catholic Community Health Hospice, 16201 W 95th St Suite 220, Lenexa, KS 66219.