Robert P. Kritzler

Robert P. Kritzler passed away peacefully at his home in Overland Park on Thursday, December 15, 2011, with his family at his side. Bob was born on January 29, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Philip W. Kritzler and Kathleen McKeown Kritzler. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Georgia, and from Parks College of St. Louis University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He was a member of Phi Alpha Chi fraternity. Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War flying the KC 135. While stationed at Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio, Bob met his wife of 44 years Barbara Dieringer. They were married on October 28, 1967, in Canton, Ohio. They moved to the Kansas City area where they raised their two precious children. Bob was an easy going, supportive, loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He began his career with Trans World Airlines as a flight engineer in May 1967 and moved on to be a Co-pilot and Captain before retiring after 30 years with the airline. He was a member of the Airline Pilots Association, TWA Retired Pilots Association, and the Midwest MGA Club. Bob was an inspiration to his family and friends with his warm and welcoming smile, positive outlook on life and generous spirit. He had the ability to make everyone around him feel like part of the family. He loved to travel, play golf, restore classic cars and enjoy this family.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by: his beloved and loving wife Barbara; two children: son, Philip and his wife, Tammie, of Olathe, Kansas; daughter: Pamela and her husband, Joe Grego, of K.C., Mo.; four grandchildren: Katie Kritzler, Kellie Kritzler, Olivia Grego and Evan Grego; his sister, Phyllis Rudolph and brother-in-law, Tom, of Loganville, Georgia; brothers- in law and sisters-in-law: Carol and Jim Redmond of Westlake, Ohio; John and Sabine Dieringer of Asheville, NC; Judy and Tony Eaglowski of Massillon, Ohio; Cathy and Jim Naegeli of Canton, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name payable to KU Endowment at the Parkinson’s Disease Center, Attn: Rajesh Pahwa, MD, 3599 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160.

The family will receive friends 6-8 PM, Monday, December 19, at McGilley & Hoge Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Tuesday, December 20, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd Street, Overland Park, KS. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. He will be missed forever by all who loved and knew him.

Arrangements under the direction of McGilley & Hoge, Overland Park, KS.