Paul Marion Kulesa

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Paul Marion Kulesa of Liberty, MO, on March 15, 2025 at home.

Paul was born February 3, 1962 in Chicago, IL.

Paul grew up in Arlington Heights, IL. He played the drums and soccer for Prospect High School. Growing up, he loved problem solving and pushing boundaries. He chose an educational path that embraced this love. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. After graduation he went to work for NASA in payload operations. After his time in Houston, he earned a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Southern California and a PhD from the University of Washington.

Throughout his career, Paul has had a profound impact in the study of neural crest cell biology and cell communication. After a post-doctoral fellowship at California Institute of Technology, he became the founding Director of Imaging at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri. He then returned to his alma mater and became the Berthiaume Family Professor of Neuroscience and Behavior. Paul and his wife then moved their lab to Children’s Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City, focusing on cell migration in development and disease, with an emphasis on pediatric neuroblastoma.

Paul was a man of deep faith and a devoted Catholic. His belief in God guided him throughout his life, shaping his values, kindness and unwavering love for others. He found strength and purpose in his faith, which was evident in the way he treated those around him – with compassion, generosity and humility.

Paul enjoyed surfing, discussing science, traveling, attending Sunday Mass together as a family, and his favorite daily Starbucks. His greatest joy was cheering his five children on in their many activities.

Paul was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary (Strykowski), and father, Walter Kulesa.

Paul leaves behind his loving wife of 20 years, Jennifer (Kasemeier) and their five cherished children, sons, Eliason (Eli), Wesley, Wallace (Wally), Watson (Bobby), and daughter, Roxy. His legacy will live on through them.

Paul was a beloved husband, father, son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. God, Country, Notre Dame.

Funeral mass will take place Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gladstone, MO. Visitation will be held prior to mass at 9 a.m.

Additionally, a second funeral mass will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, IN. Visitation will be held prior to mass at 1 p.m., and internment following at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame, IN. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 949 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016, in Paul’s name. Contributions can also be made towards his children’s 529 college plans.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.