Leo Charles Gotschall

Leo Charles Gotschall passed away December 12, 2011 after a fifteen year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease which he fought valiantly. He was born May 20, 1927 and grew up in Northeast Kansas City where he attended Holy Cross Grade School and Glennon High School. He was a proud member of the US Army and Air Force Reserves and was called to active duty in the Korean War. After graduating from Rockhurst College and UMKC Law School, he was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 1959. Leo was a respected attorney and was a partner in Barberi, Combs and Gotschall for many years. His son, Charles Gotschall subsequently joined him in his general law practice. Leo was a man of deep faith and a parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church since its founding in 1965. A long time member of Hillcrest Country Club, he spent many days enjoying golf, including making two holes in one and playing gin rummy with his friends. Leo was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Ruth Gotschall, his sister, JoAnn Sooter and his granddaughter, Julia Matz. His wife of 58 years, Bettye, survives him as well as his son, Charles Gotschall, his daughters, Ruth Matz (Tim), Jane Coelho, and Rita Oltjen (Jay). He was a loving Papere to Matthew, JJ, Grant and Charles Gotschall; Marie and Theodore Matz; Elliott and Phillip Coelho; Will, Elizabeth and Jane Oltjen. He is also survived by two sisters, Rita Kay Passantino (Jim) and Janice Box (Kevin). The Rosary and visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21st from 4.30 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO with the Rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held Thursday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More. Leo was a man of few words and frugal ways. He lived a full and complete life with many blessings for which we are thankful. Leo’s proudest accomplishment was his family. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Benedictine Mission Home/St. Benedict Center, P.O. Box 528, Schuyler, NE 68661-0528; Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, KS 66208; or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.