J. Kurt von Achen
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A celebration of life for J. Kurt von Achen, 84, Eudora, KS, will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence. Kurt died on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at his home in Eudora, KS. We invite friends and family to share their memories of Kurt at this gathering. These remarks will begin at 2:30 pm.
Kurt was born on March 2, 1939, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Kenneth O. and Dorothy (Paffen) von Achen.
At the age of 11, Kurt began working and managing the family farm, (known as the T-Square), east of Eudora, where he lived and worked the rest of his life. He and his wife, Pennie, raised their two daughters, Megan and Kate, on the farm.
Kurt graduated from Eudora High School in 1957. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois, where he belonged to Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and his Master of Architecture, from the University of Kansas…
Until his recent retirement, Kurt practiced architecture with the firm his father founded, the Office of Kenneth O. von Achen, Chartered Architects, in Eudora. Kurt was a problem solver at heart and approached each job as an exciting challenge.
In addition to belonging to `many professional organizations, he spent over six decades actively engaged in community service. He adamantly believed in something he called “civic rent”. This concept says that you owe your community more than just taxes. His list of community service includes:
Leadership roles in the Eudora and Kansas Jaycees, Eudora Board of Education, Boys and Girls Club Board, Lawrence/Douglas County Planning Commission, Chair of Eudora Planning Commission (for 45 years!), Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Eudora Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way of Douglas County Board, Economic Development Council of Douglas County Board, Association for the K-10 Corridor Development Executive Committee, Leadership Kansas Class of 1992, Member of the Seventh Judicial District Nominating Commission, Member and President of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association Board, Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council, Eudora Parks and Recreation Foundation. He was an expert witness in a number of court cases.
He served his country in the US Naval Reserve and was honorably discharged.
Kurt received several awards for service to his community that he loved:
The Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award. Presented by the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, for his service to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. 2016
The Citizen of the Years Award. Presented by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce for outstanding commitment to the Lawrence community and its citizens. 2016
Key to the City. Presented by the Eudora City Commission for his long tenure of 45 years, on the Eudora Planning Commission and overall commitment to the community. 2016
Kurt had an eager mind and a deep curiosity. He was an avid reader. He also enjoyed watching lectures from his Great Courses collection, which covered a range of topics, but primarily history. He loved playing chess and taught his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews how to play.
Years ago, he was bitten by the collecting bug. He spent many enjoyable hours with friends and family in search of antique woodworking tools, old slide rules, and old drafting sets. Recently his hours have been spent trying to sell those same treasures on eBay!
He married Pennie Hutton on June 23, 1967, in Mission, KS. She survives at home. They have two daughters, Megan Jean (James A., Jr.) Russell, Raymore, Mo., and Kate Hutton von Achen, Lawrence.
Other survivors include two deeply loved grandchildren, James Kurt Russell and Elle Jean Russell, his sister and close buddy, Tana (Mike) Ahlen, and several nieces and nephews who were very important to him.
Kurt was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Suzy Elizabeth (Glendon) Miller.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kurt’s name to The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council, which provides grants to conserve our county’s natural areas and landmarks of historical significance, or to the Eudora Library Capital Campaign. Kurt was deeply involved with both of these groups. Contributions may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kurt was a good man. He did much good for his community. He was always positive and happy. As an architect, he served his clients faithfully and professionally. It’s a sorry day for all of us.
I’ve always enjoyed working with and taking with Kurt and seeing him in the office or in the public. I never once saw him without a smile. My prayers are with you and your family.
I’m sorry to hear of Kurt’s passing. We were classmates throughout our early and high school years in Eudora. I saw him most recently at the Celebration of Life for another of our classmates. He was pleasant as always. We shared fun school memories.
I pray the Lord’s Comfort during this time of grief, for Kurt’s family, and loved ones. Kurt will be missed by so many.
Blessings to you all.
I know Kurt because every week he would come pick up dinner for him and his wife Penny at the restaurant I work. He was so thoughtful and always remembered any details of my life I shared with him. Kurt could have probably told you what tests I had any given week better than I could. I loved seeing Kurt’s bright eyes and smile burst through the door when he would come to pick up dinner. I will miss packing up lemon chicken for my favorite customer! Prayers for your dear family
Dearest Penny, Megan, Kate, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Kurt’s passing. Vince and I had the honor is seeing him receive the Citizen if the Years award and it couldn’t have gone to a more faithful servant to the city. He accomplished so much in his life, but the most important being a dad to two beautiful daughters and husband to Penny. I’m praying for you all during this tough time, for comfort and for joy to be found in the wonderful memories you had with him. I had many wonderful memories out at your house for sleepovers. You all were always so kind and fun to be around! I’m so sorry for your loss.
Pennie, Meg & Kate,
Kurt was a dynamo when it came to community service & paying his “ Civic Rent.” He was a force for good & a friend to many.
We’ve known & loved your family for decades, so we grieve along with you. We’ll always remember Kurt & the lasting legacy that he left.
My condolences to Pennie and the rest of the family. Kurt was a strong force for good in the community, and he will be missed.
Kurt brighten my Valentine’s day for YEARS bringing me beautiful Carnations. He always had an enormous smile and a kind word every single time we crossed paths. Prayers and love to his entire family.
The Coffeen/Leatherman family was so sad to see that Kurt had passed. He was a good friend and architectural colleague to our dad, Robert Coffeen. I spoke to Kurt on the phone not long ago about my dad’s health, and we had a lovely conversation. Our sympathy to his family and friends.
Kurt’s passing is certainly a great loss to the community and his family. His contributions to the common good were very significant. We extend all our condolences to his family.
Kurt and I became acquainted on a project about 23 years ago. His guidance and expertise were key to the project’s completion. But most notably, Kurt was a “force” for what was right and never veered off that course. He talked fondly of his family on several occasions and it was clear how important the community was to him. He was a champion for me when needed and a gentleman to all. I am forever grateful to him.
Dear Penny and family. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. While I didn’t know Kurt personally, I am so impressed by his service to the community and state. I love the expression, “ civic rent”. I believe it runs in the family. The goodwill of Kurt’s many contributions will live on in many hearts. I’m sure his loving memories will be a comfort to you as time passes. Best wishes, Candice Davis
Dear Pennie, Tana and family,
We send our condolences and are so sorry to learn that Kurt has passed. We had the joy of working with him on many building projects. He was such a dynamic presence and carried himself as a true gentleman who dearly loved his family and community. He will be missed and we send prayers of comfort for your family.
I am so sorry to hear this. A few years ago, I met Kurt through a friend of his, Bob W. Both of them held this once a week lunch group at a local bar and grill restaurant in Lawrence. While I don’t consider myself a regular, I show up from time to time to say hi. One thing that stood out about Kurt was his kindness. I will miss him.
Dear Pennie and family,
Kurt was such a “warm and unwavering light of” friendship, healthy debate, good conversation, and quirky humor for me — he will truly be missed! As I can’t make his Celebration of Life today, I would like to share my tribute for him here:
Kurt was one of the first Planning Commissioners I met when I started my position with the City of Lawrence in 1978. Little did I realize that this ‘strange’ man with an obsession of, “not falling off the turnip truck”, would be a stalwart and life-long friend 40+ years later.
We didn’t agree on everything, but the ability to disagree in a polite and respectful manner was a hallmark of Kurt’s character (and one so sorely missed in today’s public debates). Kurt paid his “civic rent” for so many decades, it is only fitting that today at his Celebration of Life, friends and colleagues may take a few moments to share their thanks and appreciation for his many years of service.
One memory of Kurt that always brings a smile to my face is his “carnation” gift to the office on Valentine’s Day. That little “random act of kindness” lifted the spirits of all encountered and improved their individual psyches for the day. It was so greatly appreciated. I pray he knew the joy it brought to others.
Memories of Kurt’s stopping to chat when we bumped into each other at the Courthouse, or in (Lawrence) City Hall, will always bring a smile to my face. The loss of this dear soul makes my heart heavy and my eyes misty. For you and your family, I understand how difficult a time it is, as both of my parents are now deceased. As the grief sweeps over your family at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and brother, I pray the memory of ordinary days — a smile, a wink, laughter, and times shared together — ease your heavy hearts.
Thank you for opening yourselves to the celebration of Kurt’s life with friends and colleagues. This opportunity brings much needed comfort to those who share in your loss.
As a friend and colleague of Kurt’s, I know his reputation and memory will live on in the good he has done and in the standard of excellence he set, in all that he achieved.
I can almost hear Kurt telling me now, in response to ‘What’s up next for you today’ — “I’m going home for a peanut butter sandwich and a nap on the couch.”