Wayne Joseph Petry

Wayne graduated from St. Columbkille High School in Dubuque, Iowa and later attended Loras College. He enrolled in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his discharge, he returned to Dubuque where he went to work for Federal Discount and met his future wife, Karen Ann Kirschbaum.

Wayne and Karen were married in June 1960. Over time Wayne and Karen had three children, Steven Michael, Gregory John and William Wayne.

Wayne and Karen spent most of their working years in the construction industry working for companies that built boilers for power plants. Wayne was a project manager, and Karen was the office manager. Their employment required frequent moves and the family lived in Iowa, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, Minnesota and Missouri.

Wayne and Karen were members of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Kansas City for 49 years. Following Karen’s death in 2017, Wayne continued to faithfully attend church until his health declined in 2026. When he was unable to attend in person, he would watch services on TV.

Wayne loved sports and played basketball in high school, college and in Germany while serving with the Army. He was a diehard fan of the Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Pistons.

Wayne and Karen were blessed with five grandchildren and five great grandchildren who were the love of their lives. They spent countless hours attending baseball and basketball games along with dance recitals.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Melvin Petry. Wayne is survived by his sons, Steven and his wife Janna, Greg and his wife Judy, William and his wife Lisa; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Matthew, Dylan, Seth and Isabella and his great grandchildren William, Savannah, Aubrey, Everly and Harper.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Family and friends are all invited to attend and celebrate Wayne's life on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, Missouri 64119. The day will begin with a visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed immediately by the funeral ceremony at 10:00 AM. Concluding with the graveside burial in White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a local Animal Shelter.

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me though he dies, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11:25-26