Steve Fuhrken

Steven R. Fuhrken, of Lenexa, died Dec. 4, 2020, in his home.

He was born Dec. 16, 1947, to George and Alice Fuhrken.

He was a wonderful story teller who began most of his stories with “stop me if you have heard this before.” No one ever did because the stories that followed were as funny in their retelling as they were the first time. Steve’s infectious smile and laughter punctuated his stories and his interactions with family, friends, co-workers and clients. Many of his humorous anecdotes derived from his youth in Washington or his family. Others from his time at Kansas State University, where he received a BS in Business in 1969. Still other stories came from his service in the U.S. Army and his career in insurance, but more often from events involving his many friends. Steve loved making people laugh and alleviating the challenges of life, so it was no accident he studiously avoided talking about the hazards of his time spent in the bush in Vietnam serving side-by-side with ARVN soldiers monitoring movements of men and equipment from the North. He also never discussed his accomplishments in the service: an honorable discharge at the rank of SP5, and multiple commendations and medals, including a Bronze Star.

He returned to the U.S. and was discharged in 1971. The same year he wed the girl of his dreams, Diane Lauritzen, and her daughter, Traci, became his, and in 1973 their son, Tim, was born.

Steve started graduate school at Emporia State University but left to begin his career in insurance, first with Hartford, then a small independent insurance agency, the Fiss-Clogston agency, and in 1982 he joined Lockton Insurance at its Kansas City headquarters in 1982. Steve was promoted and served as Senior Vice President Construction Unit Leader for many years, retiring in 2015. He made a difference not just as an insurance professional, but in getting Lockton’s participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, which provides holiday gifts for underprivileged children. Lockton’s participation continues, helping hundreds of children and families.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter Traci Mitchem, son Tim Fuhrken and his wife Kris and their twins Vince and Samantha. Also surviving are his brother, Jerry and wife Mary Fuhrken, Washington; sister Joyce and husband Tom Buchanan, Leawood; brother Ted and wife Diana Fuhrken, Topeka; and sister Donna and husband William Gilliland, Holton, and by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dozens of friends who, like his family, already miss his ready smile and laughter.

A celebration of life and a military service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to either the Salvation Army Kansas City Kansas, 6723 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102, or The Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland, 8900 State Line Rd #320, Leawood, KS 66206.

Washington County News • Dec. 10, 2020