Dr. Ho Wohn Kim

On November 23, 2023, Thanksgiving morning, Dr. Ho Wohn Kim, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife, daughters, and granddaughters at his side. It was his final thank you to a long, full, and successful life, to his family, and to the communities he served around the world.

Dr. and Mrs. Kim married in 1963 in Seoul, South Korea where they welcomed three daughters, Teresa (Min Jong), Christine (Hi Kyong), and Sophia (Hye Jong). In 1972, they moved to Rochester, New York and in 1978 moved to Kansas City, Kansas where they spent the next 44 years.

Dr. Kim, the youngest of nine children, was born on December 2, 1933 in Daegu, South Korea.

After graduating from Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Dr. Kim entered the National Military Capital Integrated Hospital (National Military Capital Hospital) where his predecessor recommended him to President Park Chung-hee, as his personal dentist. He treated most of the president's close associates and family members, which included Intelligence Director Lee Woo-rak, Park Ji-man, and former President Park Geun-hye as a child.

Dr. Kim proudly served in the Korean Army. He served two tours during the Vietnam War as Colonel and Commanding Officer of the M.A.S.H. Unit. Continuing his career, Dr. Kim worked as a professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry, where he was voted Best Professor for 15 consecutive years. Specifically, Dr. Kim was recognized for oral and maxillofacial surgery. He was also invited to teach oral surgery at Kings SAUD University in Saudi Arabia for 5 years.

Dr. Kim was diligent in his global volunteer work in the Korean Community. In addition to volunteer work, he impressively served as an Advisory Member of the Chicago Democratic Alliance, Vice President of the American Federation of States, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Midwest Korean Association, and Advisor to the Kansas City Korean Association.

Dr. and Mrs. Kim were distinguished patrons of the Korean Catholic Church and often spoke of the friendships and relationships they formed there. Dr. Kim was very proud and honored to be a part of this community.

His family lovingly referred to him as “Popo.” He was an adoring husband to his wife of 60 years, Jong Ja. Their connection was something beautiful to witness and their marriage was a testament to the love and life they shared together. He had a special connection with his three daughters, and lived to watch his five grandchildren grow. He was an influential part of their lives. He taught his daughters and grandchildren much about life, love, family, honor, integrity, ambition, and dreams. He often advised, “friendships are the key to a long life,” and would remind us that “there is always conflict in the human life.” When his granddaughter asked why he moved to the United States from South Korea, he responded, “I wanted to provide the greatest opportunity to the next generation.” His mind and thoughts were never sanctioned with limits; for him, dreams and goals were limitless. He always wrote in birthday and Christmas cards, “may you always reach your goals and dreams.”

His legacy and spirit live within his family, and he will be honored through the generations to come. He will be missed, but he will be remembered for a successful and rewarding life well-lived.

Visitation for Dr. Kim will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, December 2, at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Stone Chapel, 9130 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215, followed by the committal service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66215.