Gene Roger Elsas

Gene was the only son of Jack and Grace Elsas, born in Kansas City, MO, and a lifelong area resident. He graduated in 1963 from Shawnee Mission East and attended UMKC. Gene got his first guitar when he was about 13, learned to play by ear and went on to turn rock and roll into his first career, playing and singing in several area bands till the late 60s. Gene joined the Naval Air Reserve during the Vietnam War, stationed in the Philippines as a Military Airlift Command liaison returning in 1969 and entering a conventional career in commercial real estate. Gene married Jackie Geist, then of Bonner Springs, KS, in August of 1967.

Gene was involved in a number of civic organizations, including the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Lenexa Economic Development Council, and Johnson County Commissioners Task Force Committees. Professional associations included past President, Building Owners and Managers Associations/ Kansas City; Commercial/ Investment Branch of the Real Estate Board; Kansas City Real Estate Board Committee Member; Missouri Association of Realtors Committee Member, National Association of Industrial and Office Parks and CCIM candidate.

He was a consistent Multi-Million Dollar Award Winner in both the Missouri Association of Realtors and in the Kansas City Real Estate Board achieving the “Top Industrial Award” for several years. Gene was last associated with Block Real Estate Services LLC starting in 1985 as an office leasing and sales specialist and becoming a Senior Vice President responsible for administering operations in leasing and sales of office and industrial properties developed by principals of Block Real Estate Services, LLC, as well as general brokerage operations of properties exclusively listed by the firm and involving cooperative brokerage transactions. Past associations are with Jones & Company, Kroh Brothers, and Linclay Corporation. The primary emphasis of his career was in the office building industry starting in property management, then into leasing, sales, brokerage and development activities. Gene performed tenant representation services for local, regional and national clients. He had strong experience in the industrial arena with warehouse and flex buildings, and peripheral involvement in retail leasing.

Gene was known for his genuine enthusiasm, wonderful sense of fun and enjoyed spending time with family and treasured longtime friendships. He was a member of the Prairie Village Presbyterian Church choir for many years. He was very loving, supportive, and kind-hearted. He and Jackie shared wonderful pastime together shopping, dining and enjoyed going to the movies. His gratitude for life will be remembered as will be his words, “Living the dream”.

Gene is survived by Jackie, his wife of 54 years; a daughter, Jeanene Elsas (Tim) and son, Geoff Elsas (Lisa) and four grandchildren, Jayden (17), Grant (17), John (12) and Gwen (10).

Private family services will be held.