Vincent Michael Kobolt, 86, of Kansas City MO (formerly of Lenexa KS) passed away on June 4, 2019 while in the care of NorthCare Hospice House. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara; children Thomas (Terrie), Carolyn McClure (Scott), Joseph (Marilyn) and David (DeWayne Miller); grandchildren Paige McClure Hewitt (Jacob), Elle McClure, Bryan Nelson, Jason Nelson; and great grandchildren Annie Kailer, Makenzie Kailer, Amber Nelson Luttrell, Lydia Nelson and Logan Nelson; and two great-great grandchildren; and sisters Patty Tate (Huntington Beach CA) and Elaine Conner (Garland TX). Vincent was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christine Kobolt Kailer, his parents and 8 siblings.
Vincent was born in Earling IA and lived in Panama IA with his large family in a three-bedroom farmhouse. As a small child, his parents instilled a strong work ethic early by assigning chores including gathering eggs from the chicken coop. He attended a one-room schoolhouse taught for several years by his oldest sister, Helen. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Panama IA, he worked for one of his brothers, Al, driving a delivery truck. Rumor has it, he had quite the lead foot which he held onto the rest of his life.
Vincent then enlisted in the US Army 10th Infantry Division Special Training and served in Germany from 1953 to 1955 where he was trained to be an airplane mechanic. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he returned to the United States and his new home in Kansas City KS where his family had relocated. He surprised his mother on Mother’s Day with his return. She often said it was the best Mother’s Day gift she ever received.
A month after his return from the military, on a double date with mutual friends, he met the love of his life, Barbara Gaunce. Although there was over a foot difference in their heights, they made quite the couple. He was proud to take her on dates in his black Mercury hardtop convertible. After a 15-month courtship, they were married in February 1957. After living in a couple of small apartments, they moved to a one-bedroom apartment over Karl’s Bakery (Barbara’s uncle) on Quindaro Boulevard in Kansas City KS. While living there, they welcomed two children into in the family. When expecting their third child, they moved to a rental home at 20th and Brown in KCK. When they were expecting their fourth and final child, they moved to what they felt was a lavish 1,050 square home of their own at 39th and Georgia in KCK. After making years of memories on Georgia, and the once thought of lavish size became the reality of a house to small with four active children, Barbara and Vince built their dream home in 1972. Vincent spent every evening during the week and all weekends working on the house himself. He would enlist the help of his co-workers, his sons and wife to help in any way possible. When the house was completed, it served as the Kobolt home for the remainder of the children’s young lives. Once he and Barbara raised their children, they moved to Lenexa KS where they lived for 32 years making new friends in the neighborhood and at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In late 2018, they moved to the Northland area of Kansas City MO to be closer to Carolyn, Scott and their family.
Vincent made his mark on the Kansas City skyline with his career in the construction industry building such noticeable landmarks such as part of the Art Institute (KCMO), The Carlson Center at Johnson Community Center, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park), Donnelly College (KCK), several buildings in Corporate Woods (Overland Park), one of the city’s first Ronald McDonald Houses, and Bishop Spencer Place (KCMO), as well as numerous other structures within the KC area, Topeka and Manhattan KS. Most of his career was spent as a Senior Superintendent with JE Dunn Construction.
There were many things in life that gave Vincent enjoyment. One was traveling with his wife, Barbara. In his retirement, they enjoyed traveling, most notably with their best friends, Jim and Joan Tarwater. They ventured to Hawaii, France, Germany and Mexico. Vincent and Barbara also enjoyed many trips over the years exploring the West Coast while visiting their youngest son, David and DeWayne. They spent many enjoyable weeks at their home in Los Angeles, the mountains of Lake Arrowhead and Palm Springs. Another passion Vincent was able to share with his son, Tom, was his love of hunting, including a memorable three-week trip to Montana. They spent many cold, early mornings in the woods patiently waiting for a turkey or a deer. He also enjoyed the art of storytelling. He and his oldest brother, Ferd, would tell stories about what took place during their service to their country. Mostly Ferd would do the telling, but Vincent loved repeating those stories. They both proudly served their country. One of the greatest adventures they took together, along with Vincent’s son Joseph, and brother-in-law Tom Ahart, was an Honor Flight to Washington DC on Veterans’ Day. Vincent had a passion for good food. Many family celebrations were spent at local Italian favorites Lidia’s and Garrozzo’s with his daughter Carolyn’s family, whether to celebrate birthdays, end of school or just because it was Tuesday. Perhaps Vincent’s greatest passion was his family, most notably, his granddaughters Christine, Paige and Elle. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being their “Poppa.”
This farm boy from Iowa loved with all his heart, whether it was his work, faith or family. His capacity to love only increase as he grew older. He taught his family well, and they will carry on his legacy. Their hearts may be broken but it is because they felt the love of this great man.
Services will be held Saturday, June 8th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lenexa KS. Visitation from 10-11am, Mass at 11am with a lunch to follow. Private interment services to be held at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth KS the following week. Donations may be made to Honor Flight KC.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Mid-America Cardiology Associates, University of Kansas Hospital for their excellent care over the last two years. They would also like to thank Kansas City Hospice and NorthCare Hospice House. Their guidance through the last week was invaluable.