3/2/1939 – 4/1/2023
Eudora
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.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
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