Kathleen “Kay” Wingert, 82, of Lenexa, KS, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Enid, Oklahoma, on May 27, 1943, to George and June Wingert, Kay graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1961 and the University of Kansas in 1965 with a degree in Music Education.
Kay met her husband, Bob, through a mutual acquaintance who noticed they shared the same slightly unusual last name. They were soon married in 1966, and throughout their marriage of nearly 60 years, Bob dedicated himself to fulfilling his vows to care for Kay in both sickness and in health. Kay loved nothing more than spending quality time with her husband and family. The couple lived in Chicago, San Antonio, and Sacramento during Bob’s military service. Kay taught elementary school music in Overland Park until Bob returned from Vietnam. They lived with their growing family in Lenexa, built their dream family home together in Olathe, where they created memories for 14 years, later settling in their current Lenexa home. Every June since 1976, Kay and Bob would attend the Veterinary Short Course in Manhattan. This was a highlight of their year, spending time with Bob’s veterinary school classmates and their spouses. These were lifelong friendships that she cherished.
A gifted musician and devoted community member, Kay founded and directed the Joy Bells handbell choir at Lenexa United Methodist Church, proudly noting the “big time” when they were invited to perform at the prestigious Oak Park Mall. She loved gardening, playing tennis and bridge, skiing, and spending time in the mountains with her family. She rarely missed her children’s and grandchildren’s games and concerts. One of her most cherished memories was attending the Tournament of Roses Parade to watch her daughter march with the Olathe North Marching Band.
Though a graduate of the “other school”, Kay was an avid K-State sports fan, a family joke she embraced with joy. All four of her children attended K-State, and she and Bob hosted many dinners for Kansas City veterinarians featuring Wildcat football and basketball coaches.
Kay battled multiple sclerosis for more than 40 years. She faced the challenges of the debilitating disease with courage and grace. She was rarely seen without a smile and never complained, inspiring all who knew her. The disease took her physical abilities, but her astute mind could complete a crossword puzzle in minutes, she remembered everyone, and could be counted on to recall every detail of the past. Kay is lovingly remembered for her distinct laughter, often laughing so hard she would bring herself to tears. She continued doing what she loved as long as she could, including playing bridge with her loyal group of friends of 55 years, last playing on December 17.
Kay is survived by her devoted husband, Bob, and their four children, Matt (Lisa) Wingert of Liberty, MO; Andy (Cristi) Wingert of Eudora, KS; Katie (Danny) Chiles of Olathe, KS; and Cassie (David) Murray of Olathe, KS. She treasured her 12 grandchildren, Jacob (Elizabeth), Madeline (Bill), Elijah, Emery, Lucy Kate, Jude, Liam and Hudson Wingert, Nickolas Ramirez, Griffin Chiles, Finley and Maizie Murray, and her great granddaughter Charlotte Wingert. Kay is lovingly remembered by her siblings, David Wingert, Priscilla Lindsey, and Beth Layden. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and June Wingert, and twin stillborn grandchildren, Luke and Zach Wingert.
Visitation will be held at Lenexa United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joy Bells handbell choir at Lenexa United Methodist Church.