Aug 30, 1949---Aug 20, 2024

Richard “Dick” E. Soenen, 74, of Lenexa, KS, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 after a short battle with brain cancer.

Dick was born in Kansas City, MO to Edward and Marguerite “Mickey” (Umscheid) Soenen. A lifelong, devout Catholic, he attended Queen of the Holy Rosary Grade School and Bishop Miege High School. He then attended Rockhurst College where he was an active member in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. There he met his future wife of 52 years, Martha “Susan” Hensler. They became dedicated, founding members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Overland Park, KS, where they raised their family and developed many lifelong friendships with fellow parishioners.  

Through the years Dick wore many hats—altar boy, baseball player, musician, coach, handyman, and Royals fan. He spent his 40-year career as a computer programmer at AT&T and DST. Dick was known for his calm, gentle demeanor, light-hearted sense of humor, and a meticulously mowed lawn. Above all he was deeply devoted to his family and faith, always present, and ready to serve others.

He is survived by his wife Susan, children Mark (Sara) and Jill (Dawn), and sisters Judy (Frank) Pizzurro and Donita McCullough. He has five grandchildren Zeke, Priscilla, Reghan, Ryann, and Kennedy and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father in-law Robert and Patricia (Koehler) Hensler, brothers-in-law Tom McCullough and Mike DeCoursey, sister-in-law Janice (Hensler) Durr, and his best friend Timothy Sullivan.  

A visitation will be held on his birthday, Friday, August 30, 9:30-11:00 am, immediately followed by mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 11300 W 103rd, Overland Park, KS 66214. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Parkinson’s Foundation. Dick’s family would like to especially thank Angels of Care and the St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City Hospice and Neuroscience teams for the tremendous care they provided in his final days.

 



Condolences

Bob & Ann Edwards Aug 25, 2024

Coworker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We are so sorry to hear this news. We enjoyed working at AT&T with Dick for many years. He was a fun guy to be around. In this difficult time, our prayers go out for his family and friends. Bob & Ann Edwards

Linda Hofman Rhoads Aug 25, 2024

distant cousin and classmate ,Rockville ,Maryland

I remember Dick from a very early age - we were distant cousins (my maternal grandmother was an Umscheid) and our families got together occasionally. I have a particular memory of him dipping a hairbrush in water and pretending he was a priest sprinkllng "holy water" on me! Even then, faith was important! My most sincere condolences to his family.

Patricia (Patty) Clay Aug 25, 2024

first cousin ,Rochester ,New York

I have many fond memories of growing up with Dick and his sisters. His parents, my aunt & uncle were the kindest people I knew and their children followed suit. Faith was always a very important part of their lives. I am not surprised Dick & Susan made it such a big part of their lives also. I wish the family peace and comfort. My prayers are with them.

Lucy Bowman Aug 25, 2024

Cousin ,Mccordsville ,Indiana

Dick was such a kind, gentle & loving soul. I remember the fun times we had with our families hanging out at his mom & dad’s house and many of the extended family reunions. Hugs & prayers to all.

Grant Godby Aug 25, 2024

Friend of the family ,Austin ,Texas

The Godby’s are saddened by this news but know that he is in a better place. We have come to know and love his son Mark, Sara, Zeke and Priscilla. I met Dick a couple times at his grandson Zeke’s baseball games. In our conversations I could tell he loved the game and his family. We send our condolences to the entire family during this time. Bless you all. Numbers 6:24-26 BIG LOVE, Grant, Liz, Evan, Cecilia, and Grace Godby

Jim Aug 25, 2024

childhood neighbor ,Leawood ,Kansas

I had fond memories of Dick being a very good baseball pitcher. He would practice with his father on a regular basis to fine tune his skill to pitching. His Father was an excellent coach and a former minor league catcher for the Chicago Cubs. Dick enjoyed playing the lead guitar and in the mid 60's his band would perform concerts in the summer time from his parents garage. RIP and play catch again with your Father.

Phil & Terry Bower Aug 26, 2024

Friend ,Independence ,Missouri

Susan & family: We were so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. We are sending lots of prayers your way & asking God to give you strength and comfort as you make this final journey with Dick. Our thoughts are with you, Phil & Terry

Bill Puetz Aug 27, 2024

Neighbor of Beth Cherry ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Jim Cologna Aug 27, 2024

Friend ,Springfield ,Missouri

Susan, Jill and family, Sorry to learn of Dick’s illness and passing. We enjoyed his company when our daughters were at Pitt State. It was obvious his family was loved dearly. Sincere sympathy to all.

Teddy Freese Sep 01, 2024

Classmate ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I attended Queen of the Holy Rosary and Bishop Miege with Dick. He was always a gentleman and had that great smile. I am sorry that we have lost him. Teddy

Photo Gallery

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Aug 30, 2024
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Address:
11300 W. 103rd St.
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66214
Date:
Aug 30, 2024
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map: