M. Sandra Griesel

Mary “Sandy” Sandra Griesel, 67, Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014, surrounded by her family at her home. Friends and family are invited to gather from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 919 NE 96th Street, Kansas City, MO 64155. A rosary will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. celebrating Sandy’s life. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Burial will be in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Holy Family Memorial Garden Fund. Sandy was born January 30, 1947 in Kansas City, MO to Frederick Allwyn and Mary Alice Duchardt. She attended grade school at St. Mary’s School in Kansas City, MO and graduated in 1965 from St. Teresa’s Academy. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) with a degree in English Education. She earned a Master’s degree in Computers in Education from Walden University and an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from UMKC. She completed doctoral coursework in Educational Administration from the University of Kansas. Over her lifetime, she worked as a teacher, school principal, and project manager. She also spent countless hours as a volunteer with her church, and most recently as a volunteer with the Assistance League of Kansas City. Sandy and John Keith Griesel were united in wedded bliss on July 26, 1969 in KCMO and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in July. She is survived by her beloved husband, three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, nine siblings and their families, twenty-two nieces and nephews, and a great niece and nephew. The children are: Karen Alicen and husband, Travis Newkirk, Overland Park, KS; Brandon John and wife, Katie, St. Charles; Kristen Linn and husband, Tom Curtis, Kansas City. The six grandchildren are Matthew and Allison Newkirk; Abby and Jack Curtis; and Sophie and Luke Griesel. The nine siblings are Dr. Barb Duchardt, Fred Duchardt, Linda Guthier, John Duchardt, Tom Duchardt, Debbie Conklin, Anita Sattler, Cindy Behm, Laura Duchardt. Sandy had a deep understanding of her faith and was a blessing to others. She reflected Christ to all she met through her service to them. While she will be greatly missed on Earth by her family and friends, her selfless soul is preparing a place for all of us in heaven.