1948
John
2016
John Freshwater
October 31, 1948 — January 27, 2016
John Freshwater, 67, died peacefully with his children at his side on January 27, 2016 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident on January 14, 2016. John was born October 31, 1948 in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was the only child of Harvey and Gladys Freshwater and was greeted by older siblings Earl, Donley, and Betty from Harvey’s previous marriage. He met his wife Kathy Kramer while studying engineering at Iowa State University, where he was a member of Triangle Fraternity. John and Kathy were married June 20, 1970. After obtaining his degree, John embarked on a petroleum engineering and project management career that allowed him opportunities to work all over the world. He spent time in Australia, Louisiana, Colorado, Northern Ireland, and Nigeria. John and Kathy had 2 children, Michelle and Katherine (Katie), both born during their time in Louisiana. John and his wife settled in Overland Park, Kansas in 1998 to be closer to Kathy’s parents. He continued to work overseas until his health issues prevented him from traveling. After retirement, John became an active member of a local men’s bible study and continued to stay in touch with friends he made all over the world.
John was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Earl. He is survived by his ex-wife, Kathy Kramer Freshwater, Leawood, KS; children Michelle Freshwater (Drew Wattles), Meridian, ID, and Katie Freshwater (Bobby Curtis), Beverly Hills, CA; grandchildren Liam and Ronan Wattles, Meridian, ID; siblings Donley Freshwater, Columbia, SC, and Betty Boesen, Waterloo, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned at 1 PM on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel (11200 Metcalf Ave.) with a reception immediately following. The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at OPRMC ICU for
the exceptional care they provided to John in his final days. Also thank you to Rev. Jerry Peltz and his wife Jill for their love and support of our family.
John was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Earl. He is survived by his ex-wife, Kathy Kramer Freshwater, Leawood, KS; children Michelle Freshwater (Drew Wattles), Meridian, ID, and Katie Freshwater (Bobby Curtis), Beverly Hills, CA; grandchildren Liam and Ronan Wattles, Meridian, ID; siblings Donley Freshwater, Columbia, SC, and Betty Boesen, Waterloo, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned at 1 PM on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel (11200 Metcalf Ave.) with a reception immediately following. The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff at OPRMC ICU for
the exceptional care they provided to John in his final days. Also thank you to Rev. Jerry Peltz and his wife Jill for their love and support of our family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Freshwater, please visit our flower store.