Patricia Ann Munkirs passed away peacefully, in the presence of her children, at her home in Kearney, Missouri, on September 12, 2022. Pat was born in Kearney, Missouri, July 3, 1936, to William Reynolds and Ferne Chaney Klepper. Her parents preceded her in death and brother, Terry Klepper, survives.
Patricia grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1954. After high school, she attended Central Missouri State University. She worked for the Standard Steel Company and Trans World Airlines where she rose to the rank of Executive Secretary. On December 14, 1958, she was united in marriage with James Wallace Munkirs. The two celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary shortly before James passed in January 2019.
Pat and her husband James were blessed with two children, Michelle Hogerty and James Munkirs, who survive. Other survivors include her son-in-law, Daniel Hogerty III; grandchildren, Katherine Overstreet, Fallon O’Connor (Ryan), James Hogerty (KC), Sean Hogerty (Carolina), and Danielle Hogerty (Tate); and her beloved cat, Wally.
Pat was active in her community and her church, the Kearney First United Methodist Church. When her children were young, she was active in the Parent Teacher Association as well as being a room mother. She also participated in a cooperative program with the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art to introduce art to elementary students at Kearney Elementary School.
Pat held many roles at the First United Methodist Church acting as a Sunday School teacher, volunteering for Vacation Bible School, and organizing children’s Christmas and Easter programs. After her children were grown, she sang in the church choir and organized and hosted many events to further the church’s capital campaigns and building programs.
Pat was a member of the Rebekah Lodge and the Kearney Chamber of Commerce and was a fifty plus year member of the Somerset Extension Club. She was a supporter of the Kearney Lion’s Club and along with her husband was Grand Marshal of the Jesse James Parade.
Services will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Kearney First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. immediately followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family asks for contributions to the church in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements in care of Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
You are all in my prayers. I am so sorry. Lots of good memories especially of Pat and Sue Holt and also Jim.
Martha Marengo
Heart felt condolences from Texas for Michelle and James,
Todd James
Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, University of Central Missouri, Sigman Chapter
Michelle and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ros
“A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.” – Author Unknown
Michelle, sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. Pat was such a sweet special person and will be very much missed. Our prayers to you and family and friends.
Joyce and Fred Moore
I’m so sorry for you loss. Praying for you all.
Phyllis Strobel
Michelle
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. Hugs & prayers to you all.
Sandy Reichert
Kearney has lost another of it’s great citizens. My best memories of your Mom and Dad is their dedication to taking care of Sue Holt toward the end of her life. Now they are all together. May she rest in peace.
Roger Clemons
Dear Michelle,Daniel,Katherine, and James and family,
My husband Jane’s and I met your mom and dad when we moved to Kearney in Dec. 1998 from Baraboo, WI.
We met them when we started coming to the Methodist church there in Kearney. We had many goid times with through the church and later when we were in the Lion’s Club as well.
Wonderful people and a true love to each other. Loved all of you and especially the grands. We got to meet MS.Katherine when she was first introduced and watched her grow up as well. Beautiful young lady that Grandma and Grandpa loved and had much fun with.
I enjoyed sharing in church functions with Pat over our many years in Kearney.
I lost my James in Nov.14, 2020.
I am so happy that they made 60 years together. James and I celebrated 52 years.
Many blessings and prayers to you all. Much love too. Always, Sue
