Owen C. Handke

Mr. Owen C. Handke, 76, of Atchison, Kansas died at the Atchison Medicalodge.

Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict's Church with Rev. Gerard Senecal, OSB as celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Tuesday, January 3rd at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8:30 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict's Church and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Owen was born June 8, 1935 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Albert "Dan" and Helen Clark Handke. He attended St. Benedict's Grade School then Maur Hill Prep School, graduating with the class of 1953.

He and the former Bonnie Ballinger were united in marriage on July 11, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church in Atchison. Mrs. Handke survives of the couple's home in Atchison.

Owen was drafted with the United States Army, serving from January 24, 1958 until his honorable discharge on January 22, 1960. He received commendations as a carbine marksman while serving in Korea with the military.

Owen was employed with Pillsbury Milling Company and later with MGP Ingredients Company as a laborer until his retirement. Additionally he was a dealer for the Bo-Jac Seed Company for many years.

He was a member of St. Benedict's Church. He was also a member of the V.F. W. Post #1175 of Atchison with "lifetime membership" status. His favorite pastime was playing cards, he also enjoyed hunting, playing baseball, watching football and mushroom hunting.

Additional survivors include a daughter, Karen Lenz, Overland Park, KS, three sons, Brian Handke, Olathe, KS, David Handke, Wichita, KS, Douglas Handke, Lafayette, IN, two sisters, Julia Clem, Atchison, KS, Kathleen Tyson, Scotsdale, AZ, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother, Edwin Handke.