Jerry M. Ginden

Jerry Ginden, age 75, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2017, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on April 30th, 1942, in Kansas City to Sam and Ellen Ginden. He was a graduate of Ruskin High School where he received the Optimist Youth Orator award and went on to graduate with a Master's Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia where he was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity, as well as Pi Mu Epsilon (U.S. Honorary National Mathematics Society).

Jerry met the love of his life, Helene, while teaching as a graduate student at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Jerry worked as a Research Analyst for Operations Research at Trans World Airlines for over 35 years where he created the overbooking system. He was a member of Operations Research Society of America (ORSA), The Airline Group of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (AGIFORS), and The Institute of Management Sciences (TIMS). Jerry enjoyed educating others as a guest lecturer at several universities.

Jerry had a passion for math and logic puzzles and used this intelligence to teach college students at Penn Valley Community College. He delighted in competitive poker playing for most of his life and loved memorizing sports statistics. Traveling with the family was one of his great joys in life. Jerry had a talent for making people laugh with his funny faces, humorous jokes and quick wit.

Jerry was a third generation member of Congregation Beth Shalom. Judaism was an important part of his life, and he loved furthering his Jewish education by becoming a graduate of The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning.

Most importantly, Jerry was a dedicated and proud father and grandfather who loved coaching his children’s sports teams and almost always could be found at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, as well at attending the first day of kindergarten for all seven grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helene, his three children, Staci (Mike) Kahn, Audra Ginden and Loren (Bree) Ginden, his seven grandchildren, Kayla, Eli, Noah, & Jonah Kahn, Jenna Ginden & Asher and Merrick Ginden. He is also survived by his sister Barbara (Mickey) Katz, two nephews Josh (Leslie) Katz, and Seth (Rachel) Katz, and numerous extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at Mount Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road for a service at 10:00am on Monday, October 9th, with burial following in the Congregation Beth Torah Section at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, Cornerstones of Care, or an organization of one’s choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.