Joe McCluskey

Joseph McCluskey, 69, passed away on October 26, 2013, at Saint Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born in Ponca, Nebraska to Leo and Verena (Backman) McCluskey. Joe grew up in Newcastle, Nebraska and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Hartington, Nebraska. After high school, he attended Creighton University in Omaha where he earned degrees in business and law. He married Marilyn Melkus in 1966 and they moved to York, Nebraska a few years later when Joe was appointed York County Attorney. After five years of public service, he practiced law and worked for two local banks.

During the 41 years they lived in York, Joe served as a Boy Scout district executive, was a member of Rotary International, was a City Council member, and a board member of the York Housing authority. Joe and Marilyn attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where Joe served on the church board, was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus and was an active member of the parish.

After retirement in 2010, Joe and Marilyn moved to Overland Park, Kansas to be closer to children and grandchildren. Joe became an active member in the Church of the Nativity parish. He enjoyed baseball games, dining out with friends, and the company of his family. He will long be remembered for his quiet and gentle demeanor, compassion for others as well as for his stories, his sense of humor and loyalty to his Irish heritage.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Verena (Backman), and his sister Annette. He is survived by wife Marilyn (Melkus) of Overland Park; his sister Mary Pat (Jack) Larson of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sons Michael (Janet) of Melbourne, Florida and John (Shannon) of Overland Park; his daughters, Jean of Overland Park and Meghan of Kansas City, Missouri; and his grandchildren Madeleine and Jack of Melbourne, Florida and Morgan, Tyler and Kevin of Overland Park.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 28th at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. 64145. The Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, October 29th at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 West 119th St., Leawood, KS. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458.