Jun 26, 1955---May 11, 2024
Paul Stephen Karanevich, a statistician and resident of Lenexa, KS, passed away a month before his 69th birthday due to complications with cancer on Saturday, May 11th, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Graveside Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at the Lenexa Cemetery, 8805 Pflumm, Lenexa, KS.
 
Paul is survived by his wife, Reni, his children Alex, Peter, Eric, and Laura and their spouses: Sharon, Madelynne, and Madelaine, respectively. He leaves behind four grandchildren:  Ivy, Leo, Anastasia and Nicholas Karanevich. Paul is also survived by his brother, Edward Karanevich, and sister, Janet Dono. He is predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Nina Karanevich.
 
Paul was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 26th, 1955. He graduated from Pace University in New York with a M.A. in Economics and later from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with an M.S. in Statistics. His first job was at the World Trade Center with FCIC, and later worked as a statistician for the federal government with various agencies, most recently with the USDA. He married his high school sweetheart, Reni, in 1984 and relocated to Kansas with their six month baby boy, Alex George, in 1990. They welcomed a second son, Peter Ivan, in 1992, and in 1997, twins Eric Douglas and Laura Gwen. His family was his pride and joy.
 
Paul was a force of nature: he loved to strike up conversations with anyone and everyone. He wanted to know his children's friends, and their friend’s friends. He loved connecting with people. He was a great gift giver and he chose clothing colors that he thought would complement everyone’s features best…and they did! His daughter- in-laws joke that he knew their tones and undertones well. He also loved animals, including the late family cat Tux, whom he could be caught boxing with.
Paul was also known for his avid love of Costco. Going there was always an adventure for him. He would come back home with groceries enough to feed at least a family of 8…even after all the children had moved out.
Paul was also a connoisseur of popular music from the 1950s onward. He was an original follower of Pink Floyd, starting with Dark Side of the Moon, and was most recently obsessed with the music group Blur.
Paul was also a gifted athlete: he won the medal for being the fastest runner at a long distance track meet in high school at age 14, and continued his athletic pursuits by participating in Cosmos Weight training as a young adult. He was a baseball coach for his children growing up, and later was active in spin classes, playing pickleball with his wife and friends, and hiking fourteener’s with his children. He loved the mountains of Colorado and loved visiting his son Peter and his family out there.
Even though Paul had many talents, hobbies and awards, his greatest trophies were his wife and family. He loved them fiercely and loved them to the end.


Condolences

Susan Bernal May 14, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am incredibly saddened by the news of Paul's passing. Please accept my condolences and know that I am praying for God's abundant love to cover you and give you comfort, strength, and guidance through these days and years ahead. God bless.

Rob Grondahl May 14, 2024

I'm so sorry that this has happened. Let me know if there is anything I can do to lessen your burden in this moment.

Ryan Mortenson May 14, 2024

Co-worker ,Davis ,California

Paul was an amazing person. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and even more so chatting about life, travel and music. It broke my heart to hear of his passing. Sending much love to the family.

Dale and Sandra Keller May 14, 2024

Madelaine’s Grandparents ,Hutchinson ,Kansas

We are saddened to know that Paul has traveled on to another place. Although we didn’t know him very long, he was easy to meet and became a friend. To us he was loving, kind and sincerely interested in knowing all about our family, the family that his son Eric had married into. Here is a Native American poem from a friend as we are thinking of Paul. Do not weep at my grave, for I am not there. I have a date with a butterfly to dance the air. I’ll be singing in the sunshine, wild and free, playing tag with the wind, while I’m waiting for thee. Our deepest sympathy, Dale and Soni Keller

David Keller May 14, 2024

Co Father in Law ,Wichit ,Kansas

I had the privilege of knowing Paul for only a few short years but it felt like a lifetime. Paul and I were Father In Laws together. His son Eric is married to my daughter Madelaine. I was immediately drawn to Paul’s outgoing, sincere and dynamic personality. When you visit with Paul you can’t help but get drawn in. Paul was an amazing conversationalist. His lyrical Brooklyn accent combined with his passion for his family and rock music would make anyone smile. I am a better person for knowing him. This sweet, genuine man will be sorely missed by his friends and family.

Jennie Yan May 14, 2024

co-worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Incredibly sad to see Paul go! Paul was a wonderful co-worker, he was always friendly and helpful. But he was an even better person. Paul will be missed greatly.

Kirk May 15, 2024

Colleague / Friend

Shine on you crazy diamond

Bruce Ehrenkranz May 15, 2024

Friend ,Bronx ,New York

Paul, I haven't seen you in decades. I just want to say you were like my Brother. We spent every day, every hour together . We were inseparable, sports, trips, adventures. My heart dropped when I heard about you. Rest in Peace. If you can hear me I'm sorry we went our separate ways through life. My memories will always be there, all great. God Bless.

Jerry Robison May 15, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sad to hear about Paul’s passing. I first came to know Paul when his son Eric was in scouts with my sons. I can clearly remember his sincerity and honesty. A highlight was our High Adventure trip together to Colorado. We had some other “life events” in common, such as youth track and my early stint in New York. A real conversationalist.

Daniel Sorkin May 15, 2024

Friend ,Forest Hills ,New York

I've known Paul since we were kids together in Brooklyn. He was my oldest and best friend. He got to call me by a nickname that none of my more recent friends even know, much less get to use. He was quite a character and a joy to know and be around. Though we didn't see each other often after he moved out of NYC (where I still live), we kept in regular contact by phone and email, and I looked forward to his occasional visits back to his old hometown. We loved to talk about music and sometimes other subjects like investing, politics, etc. I miss him very much already. RIP Paul.

Jennifer Ray May 16, 2024

Co-Worker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Paul was an amazing co-worker and a great guy. He will be missed.

Steven pudlowski May 16, 2024

Best friend ,Massapequa ,Nevada

I’m heartbroken over the news he was my best friend growing up it was always me Bruce Paul and Daniel day and night seven days a week so sorry we all lost touch with each other thought about and others many times over the years remember like yesterday he introduced reni may he rest in peace

Dave Murthy May 17, 2024

Co-worker at RMA ,Parkville ,Missouri

Paul and I worked at RMA-USDA for several years and he was a very good friend and co-worker, kindly hearted person. After I retired in 2019 I spoke to him, we used to talk on our life style after retirement and current economy situations and how we can transfer whatever wealth we have to children. I really miss him and I pray his soul rest in peace,

Services

Event:
Graveside Service
Location:
Lenexa Cemetery
Address:
8805 Pflumm
City:
Lenexa
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66215
Date:
May 15, 2024
Time:
2:00 PM
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