James Kvasnicka

Our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jim Kvasnicka, went to join his Heavenly Father, family and friends on January 9, 2012 at his home, Enid, OK. He was born March 13, 1927, in Republic Co., Kansas, to Edward Leonard and Verna (Stephens) Kvasnicka, at the home of his paternal grandparents, Wes and Rosa (Bilek) Kvasnicka, whose homestead and farm was located a few miles north of Narka, KS. The story was told that after he was born, he was placed in a large boot box that sat on the open door of his grandmother’s kitchen stove to keep him warm that cold March day.

He attended East Star School, Dist. 44, a rural school near Narka, Kansas and graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon. Jim joined the Army Air Force and was ultimately sent to Japan. After serving two years, he received an honorable discharge as a Corporal on January 11, 1947. In 1952, he graduated from Kansas State University with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

On June 7, 1953, he and Charlotte Lorraine (Evers) Kvasnicka were joined in marriage at the First Methodist Church, in Mitchell, South Dakota. They were always a team.

Jim worked for four years at Westinghouse Electric, Kansas City, MO prior to moving to Enid, OK. He began his career with the George E. Failing Company, in 1957, where he designed drilling rigs. He was called “Kvas” by many of his friends and co-workers. He rose from Project Engineer, to Chief of Engineering to double Vice-president of Engineering and Manufacturing. While at Failings, he travelled to many locations such as Australia, Canada, China, France and India to either oversee the setting up of drilling operations or to acquire or sell drilling equipment. After 34 years, he was able to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

He could fix almost anything and enjoyed maintaining his cars, & everyone else’s. Many hours were spent stretched out on the sofa or on the floor by the fireplace with his nose in a book or the daily paper. He was a lifelong, avid reader, mostly on the subject of WW II, and he enjoyed watching his beloved K-State Wildcats play basketball and football; he had a “purple heart”.

He was a long-time member of the National Rifle Association and the Alumni Association of Kansas State University.

Those who knew Jim were blessed by his kindness, generosity and quiet strength. A born storyteller, Jim was famous for his ability to captivate family and friends with the humorous tales of his own life. He possessed a marvelous intellect and perspective on life.

Foremost, he had a deep love and commitment for his family. His calmness and confidence helped restore our hope during difficult times. We will truly miss the sound of his voice, his guidance and wisdom.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, on January 5, 2007; by his father Edward, his mother, Verna and his sisters, Eva, Virginia and Ramona.

He leaves his two daughters, Carol Kvasnicka Garcia and her husband Louis, of Blue Springs, MO; Nancy Kvasnicka Hilterbrand and her husband Bill, of Pond Creek. Grandchildren Billy Waite, Lezlie and her husband Brent Simunek and Lori & her husband Matt Toone; Brett and Michael Fleming and Jennifer and her husband Grant Janzen, four great-grandsons Mason Simunek, Luke and Benjamin Janzen, and Caleb James Toone; three great-granddaughters Ragan and Brinley Simunek and Brooke Janzen along with many nieces and nephews.

He once said he would like his epitaph to say, “Happy, happy, love to all, no regrets”. A piece of our hearts is gone and can never be replaced.

Family and friends are invited to attend services held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 13, 2012 at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home Chapel. Rev Jim Edmison will officiate. Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

GGPa, thank you for taking care of all of us for so long. We’ve always loved your reassuring hugs, smiles and generous, loving spirit. You will be deeply, deeply missed.