Joseph Anthony Spruytte, Jr. dies at age 69

Joseph Anthony Spruytte, Jr., 69, Gladstone, MO passed away at 12:40 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2006 at North Kansas City Hospital after a short illness. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, burial in White Chapel Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the church where a Prayer Service will be at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the North Kansas City Area Baseball League, 1124 NE 40th Pl., Kansas City, MO, 64118, or Oak Park High School Athletic Department, 825 NE 79th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64118 or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1357 NE 42 Terr., Kansas City, MO 64116.

Mr. Spruytte was born August 24, 1936 in Randolph, MO to the late Joseph Spruytte, Sr. and Katherine Laber and had lived in the Northland all his life. He graduated from NKCHS in 1954 and went on to obtain his teaching degree at Rockhurst College where he lettered in Baseball. Later, he got his Master's degree from the University of Missouri in 1966. He played baseball in the NKCA Baseball Program in 1945 and later became umpire and then the Umpire in Chief for 25 years. He helped develop the AJ Wilson Complex at 96th and North Brighton and has a diamond named in his honor, Spruytte diamond.

He was always proud of the fact that he only had one interview with NKC School District and after a clever response to Dr. Doolin, he was hired. He went to work for the school district in 1958, serving first as a coach at Eastgate Jr. High, coach and Vice-Principal at Maple Park Jr. High and finally as the Assistant Principal at Oak Park High School. After retirement in 1991, he continued working in the school district in various positions. The last five years, he was the Director of the Ombudsman program.

You could always find Joe at Oak Park High School sporting events, volunteering his time. In 1967, he spent his summers working at Old Pike Country Club as the Facility Manager. He enjoyed working with the youth and the camaraderie he had with the members. He has been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church since 1957 where he served as the Parish Council President, worked with youth on Confirmation, and served as a basketball coach. He married Sandra Heinz on June 15, 1957 in Liberty, MO. She survives at the home.

Additional survivors include children: Karen and Brad Silver, Kansas City, Kathy and Scott O'Keefe, Gladstone, MO; Kim and Charles Rohlfing, Indianapolis, IN; seven grandchildren: Stephanie and Kate Silver, Zachary and Allison O'Keefe, and Megan, Emma Jo and Julia Rohlfing; and sisters, Mary Ridge, Theresa Hampton, and Beverly Gray. Joe dedicated his entire life to the youth of the Northland. Through his story telling, he was able to not only entertain but always end with a lesson to be learned. He will truly be missed by many, many, many friends. (Arr; McGilley Antioch Chapel, 816453-7700).

Published in the Kansas City Star on 1/8/2006.