Thaddeus Ted B. Bownik

Thaddeus “Ted” Boniface Bownik, 87, Kansas City North, passed away July 6, 2012 at North Kansas City Hospital. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 10th at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Highway 9, with burial following in Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6-8 PM Monday at the McGilley Antioch Chapel where a rosary will be prayed at 7:00PM.

Thaddeus was born May 14, 1925 in Minneapolis, MN and moved to Kansas City in 1960. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was scheduled to participate in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944, but mechanical problems delayed the 113th Calvary Reconnaissance Division from reaching the continent until 10 days later. As part of the Red Horse Calvary they battled their way through France and Belgium and 80% of the unit were either killed or wounded. Thaddeus himself was wounded several times and received a purple heart for military merit. Following the war Thaddeus was a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He began his 59 1/2 year career with the ADM Milling Company upon his return from the war, which brought him to Kansas City. He retired as plant manager here on July, 1st of 2001. Thaddeus became a member of the Chamber of Commerce upon his arrival in Kansas City and eventually was a distinguished member of Who's Who worldwide registry of business leaders where he received the gold Medal of Honor. He was also a member of the Association of Operative Millers since 1960 where he served 10 years as treasurer and was president from 1972-73 and also was awarded a gold medal of honor. Thaddeus initiated and formed the North Kansas City Business Council and served as its president from 1994-1995. He was a member of both the International Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of North Kansas City from whom he received the Paul Harris Award for his outstanding accomplishments. He will be remembered as having a wonderful sense of humor, by his generous nature, as an accomplished businessman, as a dedicated Royals and Chiefs fan, as a caring friend, and as being a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and coworkers.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary Bownik; his son, Dr. T. Bryan Bownik, 2 grandchildren, Dr. Hillary Bownik and Haley Bownik, Esq. of Kansas City; brother, Gregory Bownik and his wife Maryann; and sister, Jane and her husband Thomas Burchett; of Minneapolis, MN.

Memorial contributions and condolences may be offered to St. Gabriel Archangel Parish, 4737 N. Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, MO 64117.