John Robert Slegman, 76, died on March 9.
Funeral services were at the gravesite with immediate family only on March 16. A celebration of life brunch was held afterwards at Ann and Tom Isenberg’s home. The family suggests contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital Autism Clinic, The New Reform Temple, Heartland Therapeutic Riding and Kansas City Hospice.
John was born on April 23, 1948, to the late Robert and Betty Slegman in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1966 and received a B.A. in economics from Ithaca College in 1970. He also earned a certificate from the Fashion Institute of Technology with honors, and he was on the dean’s list. John married the late Holly Franking in 1987 and lived in Kansas City most of his life.
John worked for Betty Rose Coats and Suits, first in Kansas City and then at its showroom on 7th Avenue in New York City for eight years. He then received a degree in computer science and worked at H & R Block for 18 years doing data input.
As a young man, John enjoyed bowling and golf. He started riding horses as a child and continued his passion for riding his entire life. He especially cherished his horses, Captain and Ollie. In addition, his dog, Mikey, was a beloved companion.
John was an avid sports fan, and he cheered for his favorite teams — the Chiefs, Royals, Liverpool FC soccer and Mavericks hockey. He also had an incredible memory for sports facts, TV trivia, politics, people and events.
John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and mother-in-law, Elizabeth Franking.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Slegman, and brother-in-law, Jim Brewer, of St. Paul, Minnesota; his sister, Ann Slegman Isenberg, and brother-in-law, Tom, of Mission Hills, Kansas; his brother-in-law, Michael Franking, of Overland Park, Kansas; his niece, Kate Ruber, and her husband, Bret, of Westwood, Kansas; his nephews, Samuel Brewer and David Isenberg and his wife, Chantal, all from New York City; and his great-nephews and nieces, Leon Isenberg and Micah, Eloise and Ava Ruber.
The family would like to thank John’s amazing care team: George and Ruth Olendorf, Brittany Ward, Anastasia Dudek, Korey Taylor Davis and the rest of the wonderful staff at Creative Care.
Condolences can be shared at louismemorialchapel.com. Okay John, ride on!