Richard James Teahan

Rich Teahan, 91, died July 29, 2025, peacefully and beautifully at St. Joseph Medical Center surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Rich’s strong faith in God and the Virgin Mary sustained and encouraged him throughout his life. He left for his heavenly reward, prepared and at peace.

He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father, devoted grandfather, great-grandfather and wonderful friend. Rich was the second oldest of the four children of James and Beatrice Teahan. He was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL, attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School and Central Catholic High School. From there, he attended Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO, where he played basketball and received a degree in accounting. He also met the love of his life, JoAnn, who was attending the College of St. Teresa (now Avila University). Rich and JoAnn were married on May 4, 1957 in Decatur, GA and moved to Fort Knox, KY as Rich was drafted into the US Army. After stops in Louisville, KY, Atlanta, GA and St. Louis, MO, Rich and JoAnn settled in Kansas City in 1960. Over the last 65 years Rich raised his family here, met lifelong friends and the community was greatly impacted by his ceaseless hard work and dedication. He rarely missed a child’s or grandchild’s sporting event, of which there were many, and his home was the gathering point for family Sunday dinners, birthdays, holidays and of course watching sporting events.

Rich started his professional career with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, GA followed by Troupe Kehoe Whitaker & Kent Public Accounting firm in Kansas City, MO. He then spent the next 55+ years with Southwest Steel Fabricators in Bonner Springs, KS.

Rich, along with his wife, JoAnn, supported numerous organizations and charities. Rich was involved with Rockhurst University, Rockhurst High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, Avila University, Cure of Ars Parish, Church of the Nativity Parish, Seton Center, Lakemary Center and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas including the Snowball Annual Event, serving on many boards and committees.

He is survived by his children: Kathy Jantsch (Tom), Vince Teahan (fiancé Beth), Mark Teahan (Donna), Mike Teahan (Kathy), Dan Teahan (Lynn); nineteen grandchildren, Jenny Johnson (Brady), Michelle Lajza (Dave), Bryan Jantsch, Kevin Jantsch (Taylor), Rachel Loetel (Adam), Jessica Teahan (fiancé Andy), Sean Teahan (Taylor), Erin Mueller (Kyle), Natalie Gates (Joe), Kyle Teahan, Conner Teahan (Alyssa), Christopher Teahan, Marcus Teahan, Jackie Cochran (Joel), Megan Teahan, Shannon Teahan (fiancé Adam), Kristin Teahan, Brendan Teahan, Matthew Teahan; and 22 great-grandchildren: Luke Johnson, Myles Johnson, Millie Lajza, Scottie Lajza, Jovie Jantsch, Addison Loetel, Emma Loetel, Harper Loetel, Gracelyn Brown, River Teahan, Everly Mueller, Elise Mueller, Lucas Gates, Layla Gates, Jude Gates, Logan Gates, Dane Gates, Taylor Teahan, Macoy Teahan, Lincoln Teahan, Major Teahan, Camille Cochran. Brother-in-laws: Larry Judy (Kathy), Bernard Judy (Jan) and Steve Judy (Nancy) and many loved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife JoAnn Teahan, his youngest daughter Eileen Teahan, daughter-in-law Sally Teahan, his father James Teahan, his mother Beatrice Teahan, his sister Nancy Meyer (Connie), his brother Bob Teahan (Kay), his sister Kathy Richter (Kirk).

A Rosary will be prayed starting at 5:00 pm on Monday, August 4th at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th Street, Leawood, KS followed by a Visitation until 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 5th at 11:00 am also at the Church of the Nativity, followed by the burial services at Resurrection Cemetery at 83rd and Quivira in Lenexa, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to any of the following charities and organizations Rich so generously supported with his time and talents: Rockhurst High School (Teahan Family Scholarship), St. Teresa’s Academy (Eileen Teahan Scholarship), Rockhurst University, and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.