Kenneth Lein

Kenneth Wayne Lein, 63, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on the morning of July 21, 2019.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens at 11200 Metcalf Avenue, before being cremated. A private burial in Elkhart, Iowa, will take place at a later date.

Ken was born in Des Moines, Iowa on March 26, 1956 to Rodney and Dolores (White) Lein. He grew up with a love of sports. Many of his favorite memories from his younger years are from playing baseball and coaching girls’ softball. Ken graduated from Ankeny High School before enlisting in the Air Force where he was stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ken later moved back home to Iowa where he started his career in restaurant management. This gave his family the opportunity to live in multiple states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Kentucky and Kansas, where he lived for the last 23 years.

Ken’s main love in life was his family, especially his kids and grandkids. Ken is survived by his 4 children: Jason (Katie) Lein, Juli (Mike) Valenti, Ryan (Melissa) Lein and Kari Lein; 9 grandchildren, to which he was lovingly known as “Papa”: Cailey, Madison, Brandon, Spencer, Jayden, Natalie, Cody, Adrianna and Kailah; Kristy (Albaugh) Lein; his mother, Dolores Lein; his four sisters: Judy (Rick) Peterson, Deb (Dave) Broich, Karen (John) Barclay and Laurie (David) Floyd; multiple nieces and nephews; He was preceded in death by his father, Rodney Lein; his gall bladder; and his left leg.

Ken was known for his caring heart, sense of humor and quick wit. Although a quiet, sometimes stubborn, man who did not like attention, he was quick to make someone smile.

Whether playing a round of golf, teaching his grandchildren miniature golf or watching it on TV, golfing was Ken’s favorite pastime. He was fortunate enough to visit the Master’s tournament in Augusta and described it as the most beautiful place he’d ever seen. Ken filled his free time frequently supporting his grandchildren at their school or sporting events, cheering on the Royals, playing cards, enjoying family game night, taking family cruises and even went skydiving!

Ken supported a few charities, mainly focusing on children and animals. Therefore in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the ASPCA, if you feel compelled to do so.

Love you.