Melvin Dale Kvasnicka, age 82, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away
peacefully on November 7, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi, with his
family by his side. He was born on March 3, 1939, in Luray, Kansas, to
Charles Everett Kvasnicka and Amelia Keller Kvasnicka.
In 1951 the Kvasnicka family moved to Colby, Kansas where Mel attended
and graduated from Colby High School in 1957. During this time, he was
active in sports, loved to learn, and spend time with his friends.
In August 1958, he married Rose Ann Cooper, of Selden, KS, at the First
United Methodist Church in Colby, KS where he was a member. Through this
marriage they had two daughters, Kim and Kayla.
The majority of Mel’s professional years were spent as a clothing
representative in the men’s apparel industry. He worked for the
companies Kennington LTD, Faded Glory, Union Bay and he was the owner of
The Cloth Tattoo. Throughout his career, he traveled extensively
nationally and internationally. He was recognized and awarded many
honors for being a “top salesman”.
Upon his retirement in 2002, Mel moved to Manhattan, Kansas to be close
to his family. He led a full and beautiful life. He was an avid reader,
golfer, loved music, sports, his weekly motorcycle rides and Friday
night dinners with his friends. He was an amazing cook and loved being
the “Chef Master” at the annual Thanksgiving and Fourth of July family
gatherings for many years. One of the greatest joys of his life was
getting to see his granddaughter, Jenna Marie, grow up. He loved
attending her club softball games, high school and college softball
games. He was her superfan. He also loved to keep in touch with his
siblings and close friends on a weekly basis.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Amelia and his younger Brother Charles Jr.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kim Kvasnicka of Manhattan, KS and
Kayla Kvasnicka (Doug) Stigge of Manhattan, KS; granddaughter Jenna
Stigge and fiancé Sam Ketcherside of Valley Falls, KS; step
granddaughter Raegen (Andy) Barger of Navarre, FL; step-grandson Justin
(Meghan) Stigge of Shawnee, KS and step-great grandchildren Sawyer and
Eli Barger and Coleman and Ian Stigge. Surviving siblings are brother
Richard (Judith) Kvasnicka of Oakley, KS, sister Charlotte Kvasnicka of
Ellsworth, KS, sister Nancy Kvasnicka Slotterback of Des Moines, IA, and
sister-in-law Holly Hart Kvasnicka of Sun City, AZ. He is also survived
by numerous nieces, nephews and friends that he loved dearly.
A Celebration of Mel’s life will be scheduled at a later date in Colby,
KS. Memorials may be made to Pioneer Memorial Library Colby, Kansas and
sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online
condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com