Stanley Alvin Katz, 93, of Leawood, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2019. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, with burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Donations are suggested to Jewish Family Services’ Food Pantry, Kansas City Hospice or a charity of one’s choice.
Stanley was born Feb. 7, 1926, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Louis and Rose (Gilgus) Katz. He attended Sanford B. Ladd Elementary School and Central High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Missouri-Columbia where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Nu fraternity.
Stanley’s lifelong love was the grocery business for over 60 years. He belonged to the Associated Grocers and the Retail Grocers Association. In 1996, he published an article for the Associated Grocers booklet titled, “70 Years of Excellence.”
After retirement, Stanley’s passion turned to helping Jewish Family Services in the pantry and as a food buyer for the Salvation Army. He was a member of Romeos and one of the founders of Steppin’ Out, a program for seniors at Congregation Beth Shalom, where he was a devoted member. He was also an active member of Saint Luke’s Cardiac Rehab on the Plaza for 32 years. Stanley had a great sense of humor and always wanted to be the reason for people to smile. He followed current events, sports and the stock market. He loved to travel, but his greatest love was of his family.
Stanley was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Katz and Marvin Katz.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene Katz; sister and brother-in-law, Marianne and Mason Kessler; children, Jeffrey and Carol Katz, Stephen and Ellen Katz, Valerie and Jeff Gasser; grandchildren, Justin and Jennifer Katz, David and Stacey Katz, Ryan and Dana Katz, Erika Katz, Michael and Leah Gasser and Rebecca Gasser; and three great-grandchildren, Noa, Ari and Jacob Katz.
The family would like to extend their heart-felt thanks to all of Stanley’s caregivers and Hospice for their devotion to him.
Online condolences for the family may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.
Arrangements made by The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.