Jack Liebsch

Jack A. Liebsch (pronounced Leap-sh) (nicknamed “The Brain”) passed way from cancer in Raytown, MO on Saturday, December 1, 2018. Visitation was held on Monday, December 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM, with a service on Tuesday, December 4 at 10 AM at Speaks Family Legacy Chapels on 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Burial will follow in Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. Jack was born October 7, 1928 in St. Louis, MO to parents Frank Liebsch and Lucille Murphy (Smith). He attended Wellston High School followed by earning a BS in Civil Engineering from The University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. Stationed in Fort Belvoir, VA he was First Lieutenant in the US Army. Afterwards he joined Sverdrup and Parcel as structural engineer in St. Louis, MO. Jack designed bridges and special projects throughout his career including the design of the super structure launch pad for the space shuttle, retiring in 1991. For 63 years he was married to Hazel Bongenia (aka Jean) Cullum, a homemaker with whom they raised three children in St. Louis, MO suburbs. In later life, Jack and Jean moved to Lake of the Ozarks for retirement before finally residing in the Kansas City area to be “closer to his two grandchildren.” Jean passed away suddenly in 2013. Jack could best be described as possessing a strong moral compass. He was committed to family and Christian faith. He instilled the values of hard work and education into his children. In St. Louis, he was an active member of Northside Christian Church for about three decades. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; Flora E. Henry (step mother); and Virginia L. Pettig (sister). He is survived by two siblings Bonnie J. Shear of Creve Coeur, MO and Bruce A. Liebsch of Sequim, WA; his children Karen S. Calabro of Houston, TX; Jeffrey A. Liebsch of Cary, NC and Sharlene C. Liebsch of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren Alexis R. and Brock D. Krepps; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.