Patricia Jo Kleinman

Patricia Jo Kleinman, a beloved elementary school teacher and devoted family woman, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on December 19, 2024. Jo, as she was affectionately known, dedicated 44 years of her life to educating young minds in the North Kansas City school district, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues.

Born on January 26, 1941, in Keytesville, Missouri, Jo entered the world in a remarkable way, being born on her family's kitchen table. She was raised on a 150-acre farm, growing up as the only sister to five brothers, and learning the values of hard work and perseverance while helping to manage the family's cattle and crops. Jo's early life instilled in her a deep appreciation for family, community, and the simple joys of life.

Jo pursued her passion for teaching by graduating from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, now known as Truman State University. Her love for education and her students was evident throughout her long and dedicated career, and she was widely known for her generosity toward younger teachers, many of whom looked to her as a mentor. Literally thousands of Kansas City children were shaped by her classroom and are still being shaped in the classrooms of the teachers she trained.

In addition to her professional life, Jo had a variety of interests and hobbies. She was an avid sports fan who loved watching Royals and Cardinals baseball, and especially after her husband Mike’s stint working for the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics, she developed a passion for college basketball. While she always rooted for her hometown teams, she had a special place in her heart for Duke basketball after some of their players went out of their way to help her once at a game she attended in Kansas City. In addition to sports, Jo loved reading, collecting quilts, Hallmark movies, and the famed American artist, P. Buckley Moss, whose work she admired and collected.

Jo also had an adventurous side, leading her to travel for over thirty years with her best friend, Alice Phillips. Alice and Jo both grew up as only girls with five brothers, and Alice describes Jo as “the sister she never had.” They shared a love of history and culture, which had them visiting many national parks and battlefields and old American towns like Williamsburg, Jamestown, Valley Forge, and Charleston. Jo also returned repeatedly to wander the Amish countryside in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as Mackinaw Island, Banff, and Hawaii. On one special occasion, she was able to accompany Alice on her church choir trip to Rome, where they performed at the Vatican.

Jo quietly volunteered for many organizations she cared about, including her church, St. Thomas More Parish in Kansas City. In her retirement, she even served as a tour guide for the Truman Home, a national historic site dedicated to preserving the memory of Harry and Bess Truman. Her volunteer work was a testament to her generous spirit and commitment to her community.

While Christmas without Jo this year will be particularly hard, it should be noted that Christmas held a special place in her heart, and it is fitting that we will celebrate her life during the holiday season. Jo was famous for the epic snow village that would fill her entire living room and the ash footprints that made sure the grandchildren knew that Santa had indeed been there. Not only did she love the gathering of her family and the Christmas celebration of her faith, it was during a Christmas party that she met the love of her life, Mike Kleinman, and two years later, they chose to get married on December 26, the day after Christmas, before sharing 47 wonderful years together until Mike's passing in 2018.

Jo and Mike’s life partnership was extraordinary. They valued and respected each other’s interests, sharing many, and their love was a bedrock for their entire family. Jo was particularly proud of her work with Mike to help found the Midwest Trust Company, a highly successful trust and wealth management firm headquartered in Kansas City.

Family was indeed the center of Jo’s life. She cherished every moment spent with them and took great pride in their accomplishments and happiness. She is survived by her loving son, Kevin Kleinman, and his wife, Neysa (Ricketts) Kleinman, both of whom she was very close to, and who provided special care for her during her final years. She was a proud grandmother to their children, Aiden and Atley Kleinman, who brought immense joy to her life. She often drove for hours to watch her grandkids play sports or show cattle, and she always paid attention to the little things they loved and the unique personalities they had.

Jo is also survived by her brothers Bob, Marvin, and Donald Shannon. She is preceded in death by her parents, Orval David Shannon and Francis Mildred Shannon (Rice), and her brother David Ralph Shannon. In a poignant and remarkable coincidence, her oldest brother, Jimmy Shannon, passed away on the same day as Jo, just a few hours later.

Jo was known for her quiet generosity, frequently donating without fanfare to people in need and causes she cared about. Her friends cherished her dry sense of humor, always ready with a light and funny way to bring a smile to moments big and small. Jo was also renowned for her ability to listen and keep things in confidence, making her a trusted confidante to many. She never complained, even when battling serious health issues in her later years, choosing instead to focus on what others were going through. Those who knew her often noted her unique talent for getting things done and organizing others to accomplish work together, demonstrating her leadership and collaborative spirit. Her best friend, Alice, describes her simply and beautifully as “a person who did.”

Patricia Jo Kleinman will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, her friends, her students, and her community. Her legacy of love, generosity, loyalty, and adventure will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

In honor of Jo’s life, a visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 30, at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, in Kansas City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 2, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Pierce City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pierce City FFA, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Pierce City, or the Hurtado Scholars Program at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City.