Christopher ”Chris” Paul Kueter, of Lenexa, KS, passed away suddenly on February 11, 2020. Chris took great pride in his strong work ethic; he was even more proud of the life he created with his wife and his three children.
Chris was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 18, 1967, to Gary & Ellen Kueter. From an early age, Chris had a love for all things Fire and Rescue, perseverance, and working hard. Whether it was selling balloons on the 4th of July or delivering papers as a young child, Chris enjoyed working hard. As a young adult, it was not uncommon for him to hold down several part-time jobs throughout high school. He graduated from Urbandale High School in Urbandale Iowa in 1985 and obtained his EMT license. He became a member of the Urbandale Volunteer Fire Department where his father, Gary was also a long-time member. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do, he attended the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) for two years before moving to Lenexa, Kansas in 1988 and began his lifelong career with Lenexa Fire Department. While at Lenexa Fire Department, Chris’s pursuit for both personal and professional success grew as he attended the Fire Academy, worked various part-time positions such as clinical research technician at Quintiles, Medic and Field Operations Supervisor and Paramedic at AMR Ambulance. He completed both a degree in Fire Science at KCKCC and later graduating from Park University with a degree in Public Administration in Fire Service Management. He also became Vice President of Business Development with DeGoler Pharmacy.
Chris was promoted to the rank of Fire Lieutenant in 2008 and then Fire Captain in 2012. Chris retired from Lenexa Fire Department in June of 2017. After 29 years of public service, career dedication and personal growth, Chris successfully transitioned into his new career becoming a VP of Business Development with Symbria Pharmacy. Chris’s personality was a natural fit as a true salesman, storyteller, prankster and persistence to the end. If he wanted to convince you of something, he didn’t stop until you agreed. Chris enjoyed being a” news junkie” and enjoyed classic cars, NASCAR, watching the KC Chiefs with his sons and listening to podcasts. A devoted family man, the love for his children and wife were evident to all who knew him. Chris was taken way too soon, but the impact he had on all who knew and loved him will never be forgotten
Christopher was survived by his wife, Dawn “Shell” Michelle Kueter of Lenexa, KS, children, Mary Catherine, Benjamin Paul and Luke Alexander of Lenexa KS,, son-by-love, Zachary Bailey of Colorado Springs, CO and daughter-by-love, Meghan Buckley(Andrew) and a granddaughter, Harper Buckley of Shawnee, KS. father, Gary Paul Kueter of Kansas City, mother, Ellen Marie Kueter of Kansas City, grandmother, Armella Kueter, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, sister Dana Bishton (Craig Bishton) of Kansas City, brother Ryan Kueter of Kansas City, nieces Ashley and Megan Bishton, and nephews Collin Bishton, Noah Kueter, all of Kansas City and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris was preceded in death by Henry Christensen (grandfather) Marie Christensen (grandmother), Paul Kueter (grandfather).
Rosary will be 3:30 PM followed by visitation from 4-7:00 PM, Monday, February 17, 2020 at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia Street, Lenexa, KS. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, 409 East 8th Street, Eudora, KS. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.