Richard Henry Monsees

Hank Monsees was born on October 11, 1942, in Sedalia, Missouri, to parents Ruby and Dick Monsees. He was the brother of Cynthia Callis, previously deceased, and Tony Monsees. Growing up on a farmstead just outside Sedalia, Hank enjoyed an active childhood surrounded by family and friends. From an early age, Hank loved to tell stories, and he could talk to anyone. This served him well throughout his life, in business and in personal relationships.

Hank graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1960. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU), where he met his life-long love, Janet Hartin. They were married in 1963, and soon after Hank earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Like most of the Monsees family, they were true Missouri Tigers and attended football games and other university events up until the most recent season before his passing.

Janet and Hank joined his family in Sedalia after MU, where they raised three sons. They were very active in the community, with friends from every walk of life. Hank invested in his city through creating and managing a number of businesses. These included a real estate company, a fiberglass manufacturing company, and a 300-home residential community. Hank also built supporting enterprises in construction, cable TV, water and sewer.

A serial entrepreneur, Hank started and operated 17 different businesses. One of his most significant endeavors was the creation of Brooking Park Village. He planned, developed and obtained financing for the operation, which still serves the needs of Sedalia's older population under a different name through independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Not only did he co-found this continuing care community, he directed the day-to-day operations until 1992, when the business, including a residential care facility in St. Louis, was sold. During this time, he had also led Professional Health Management, a company that managed the operations of smaller nursing homes throughout Missouri.

With their sons grown and their business ventures in Sedalia winding down, Hank and Janet moved to Prairie Village, Kansas, in 1992. His experience in real estate, health care, land development, public utilities and construction positioned him for success as a consultant, lobbyist and developer. Janet got a job as the financial manager for Olathe Public Library, and they immersed themselves in their new community. They joined the Country Club United Methodist Church, made many friends in Johnson County, and enjoyed spending time with their Kansas City family - including a growing number of grandchildren in K.C. and Columbia, Missouri.

Hank was active in local, state and national politics throughout his life. For example, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention held in Kansas City in 1976 and was a key advisor and supporter of former Governor Kit Bond. He served as a lobbyist in Jefferson City, Missouri, and in Washington, D.C. on behalf of health care and other legislative issues. He worked with policymakers to find creative solutions to any problem and was committed to being an involved, productive citizen.

For the last several months, Hank and Janet had been living at McCrite Plaza, a retirement community in north Kansas City. Hank attended Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, attended Bible Study and regular coffee meet-ups, ate out with friends, and celebrated big and small life events with family.

Hank is survived by his wife, Janet, and their three sons: Rick and his wife Laurie, Scott and wife Sara, and Rob and wife Lisa. He had eight grandchildren: Sabrina (and husband Aaron), Luke, Collin, Mattie, Natalie, Jake, Phoebe, and Grace Monsees.

A memorial service for Hank will be held at 11:00 a.m on Friday, September 13, 2024, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9555 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155. The family will be available to greet visitors before the service, starting at 9:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church at the address above or to the Center for Future Ready Citizens, which Hank was instrumental in creating with his son Scott, located at 1520 Clay St., North Kansas City, MO 64116.