Carl A. Rehkow, 72 of Blue Springs, MO passed away January 18, 2014 in Blue Springs. He was born June 11, 1941 in Melrose, MA to August Karl and Barbara Ann (Sihler) Rehkow. He graduated high school in Denver, CO and graduated college at Longview College in Kansas City. Carl was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War.
He spent the majority of his working years as a credit manager for Armco Steel, Puritan Bennett and Butler Manufacturing (Blue Scope). Carl also taught at Longview College and served on the Jackson County Election Board. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, MO.
He married Clella Lou Swanson on December 16, 1969 in Lakewood, CO. They were blessed to have had 44 wonderful years together. She survives of the couple’s home in Blue Springs. Additional survivors include his five children, Mary Rutledge and husband, Randy of Omaha, NE, David Rehkow of Blue Springs, MO, Greg Rehkow and wife, Glenna of Blue Springs, MO, Gary Rehkow of Blue Springs, MO and Paul Rehkow and wife, Maggie of Rock Hill, SC; two sisters, Phyllis Staumbaugh and husband Bob and Barbara Henderson; one brother, Fred Rehkow and wife, Shirley; 10 grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, Sarah, Kellie, Bethany, Brent, Julia, Jordan, Jackson, Jacob, Ben, Caroline, Kaylee and Blake. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Ed Henderson.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with Reverend Monsignor Robert Gregory as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to Mass. The Burial will be private. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart association or the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and may be left in care of the Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St. Blue Springs, MO 64105. Memories of Carl and condolences may be left at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Rehkow. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Welcome home, Carl.
A wonderful uncle and man has been lost but may he be at peace. Our hearts go out to Aunt Kelly and the whole family at this time of grieving and remembering all the great times with him. We will celebrate his life and are with you in spirit across the miles.
Sending our love,
Kristi, Kyle, Rowan & Kieran Gjersvold
Clella and Family,
Carl was the first person to greet me when I became a member of the Parish of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
He asked me and my friend to be Candle Bearers in the Procession before Mass that Msgr. Gregory celebrated.
He always greeted me with a big handshake when he saw me after Mass in the Gift Shop.
One day, we were dressed similarly……khaki pants, blue shirt, red tie, and navy blazer……and he commented on that fact….and he gave me an American flag pin to wear to match his.
I still have that pin.
And I will wear it Thursday at Mass.
God bless you, Clella. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carl was a great Guy.
My condolences to your Children and Family.
Take care of each other……..
Michael Pennington
Kelly and family,
We want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of you on your loss of Carl. We will all cherish many fond memories of Carl and his laid-back good-natured personality. He was truly a valuable part of our little community. Our loving thoughts are with all of you during this sorrowful time for your family.
The Gregg Clan at Mandeville
Greg and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Think often of the wonderful memories shared. I will be praying for you through this hard time.
Moya