Anthony Joseph Walahoski

Anthony recently told his mom that he wanted to make a difference in the world. The day he was born she held him in her arms, she knew he was special, only she didnt know how special he was.
Anthony was diagnosed with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy when he was 2 years old. Typically this disease is inherited, but his was a genetic mutation. Fortunately, Anthony was mechanically inclined and intrigued with how things worked and how they were made. When he began losing strength, the transition to riding a scooter, as well as a manual and eventually a power wheelchair was painless. He was a pro at driving and maneuvering his power chair.
While attending St. Joe, Anthonys classmates had the opportunity to leave class early, carry his books and lunch tray, push his wheelchair, and ride the elevator. He "built bridges" at St. Joe. He was the first to graduate in a wheelchair. He touched he lives of students, teachers, and staff.
Anthony graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest with honors all four years. He continued his education at Johnson County Community College and once again was on the Deans Honor Roll pursuing a dream of eventually receiving a degree in mechanical engineering. His teachers were inspired by his determination and perseverance.
Anthonys passion was visiting Mimi and Papa at their home at the Lake of the Ozarks. There he entertained his family with his laugher as he tubed the lake waters. When Anthony was no longer able to tube, he still would join his sisters and cousins on the dock for a party. He enjoyed the freedom of driving up and down the driveway to Papas garage to watch him work on lawnmowers, golf carts, or whatever was broken down (something was always in need of repair). His inquisitive mind was often tested here to troubleshoot the mechanical issues. He was googling and coming up with a solution while the problem was still being diagnosed.
He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and auto auctions. His dream cars were a 1958 Corvette and a Tesla. Even though he couldnt drive, he still planned on owning them. Anthony wasnt necessarily a sports fan when he was young. When the Royals became contenders in the playoffs, like so many, Anthony became a devoted forever Royals fan. His favorite player was Alex Gordon. Anthony was even one of the 800,000+ at the parade celebrating the World Series win. Even though Anthony enjoyed cars and the Royals, he faithfully attended every one of his sisters dance recitals. Although he wouldve chosen to listen to Garth Brooks or Jason Aldean, Anthony never complained when his sisters repeatedly played the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack in the car.
Anthony touched the lives of so many he met, friends, teachers, classmates, doctors, nurses, people he didnt even know who learned of Anthonys journey, but most of all, his family. He cared about others. He still was expressing his compassion even in his last days with us. Anthony showed us courage while defying the odds of survival. When hospice told the family that his wound would not heal due to the lack of nutrition, somehow with Gods grace, it began to heal. He surpassed timelines given by medical staff. The longest anyone survived without nutrition was 3 weeks. Anthony went eight weeks. His will to live was not only an inspiration, it was a gift to those he left behind. He made a difference.
For now, we are not afraid because when our time is here, we will not fear. We will look forward to being with Anthony once again and seeing that "melt your heart smile" because he made a difference.
Anthony Joseph Walahoski, 20, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away August 24, 2018 surrounded by family at home. Anthony was born April 14, 1998 in Kansas City, Mo. He attended St. Joseph Grade School, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, and was working towards his degree in mechanical engineering at Johnson County Community College.
Anthony is survived by his parents, Thomas and Gina Walahoski and three sisters, Alexandrea (Ali), Ciara and Gabriela; his maternal grandparents, John and Earleen Goodack and his paternal grandmother, Joann Walahoski. Anthony was preceded in passing by his grandfather, Anthony Walahoski and Annette Rittmaster. In addition, Anthony leaves behind John and Suzanne Goodack, cousins Gavin and Grant; David Goodack; Roberta and John Bestor; Cindy and Bruce Bilger, cousins Emily and Amy; Dan Rittmaster, cousin Andrew Rittmaster and his "best friend" Kahuna.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 29 from 5-8 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 5 p.m. Mass will be Thursday, August 30 at 10 a.m., followed with graveside services at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. All services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. The family suggests donations to Childrens Mercy Hospital, Wayside Waifs or Sister Servants of Mary. Anthony loved the Kansas City Royals and you are invited to wear your favorite Royals attire.
Anthony recently told his mom that he wanted to make a difference in the world. The day he was born she held him in her arms, she knew he was special, only she didnt know how special he was. Anthony was diagnosed with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy when he was 2 years old. Typically this disease is inherited, but his was a genetic mutation. Fortunately, Anthony was mechanically inclined and intrigued with how things worked and how they were made. When he began losing strength, the transition to riding a scooter, as well as a manual and eventually a power wheelchair was painless. He was a pro at driving and maneuvering his power chair. While attending St. Joe, Anthonys classmates had the opportunity to leave class early, carry his books and lunch tray, push his wheelchair, and ride the elevator. He "built bridges" at St. Joe. He was the first to graduate in a wheelchair. He touched he lives of students, teachers, and staff. Anthony graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest with honors all four years. He continued his education at Johnson County Community College and once again was on the Deans Honor Roll pursuing a dream of eventually receiving a degree in mechanical engineering. His teachers were inspired by his determination and perseverance. Anthonys passion was visiting Mimi and Papa at their home at the Lake of the Ozarks. There he entertained his family with his laugher as he tubed the lake waters. When Anthony was no longer able to tube, he still would join his sisters and cousins on the dock for a party. He enjoyed the freedom of driving up and down the driveway to Papas garage to watch him work on lawnmowers, golf carts, or whatever was broken down (something was always in need of repair). His inquisitive mind was often tested here to troubleshoot the mechanical issues. He was googling and coming up with a solution while the problem was still being diagnosed. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and auto auctions. His dream cars were a 1958 Corvette and a Tesla. Even though he couldnt drive, he still planned on owning them. Anthony wasnt necessarily a sports fan when he was young. When the Royals became contenders in the playoffs, like so many, Anthony became a devoted forever Royals fan. His favorite player was Alex Gordon. Anthony was even one of the 800,000+ at the parade celebrating the World Series win. Even though Anthony enjoyed cars and the Royals, he faithfully attended every one of his sisters dance recitals. Although he wouldve chosen to listen to Garth Brooks or Jason Aldean, Anthony never complained when his sisters repeatedly played the Phantom of the Opera soundtrack in the car. Anthony touched the lives of so many he met, friends, teachers, classmates, doctors, nurses, people he didnt even know who learned of Anthonys journey, but most of all, his family. He cared about others. He still was expressing his compassion even in his last days with us. Anthony showed us courage while defying the odds of survival. When hospice told the family that his wound would not heal due to the lack of nutrition, somehow with Gods grace, it began to heal. He surpassed timelines given by medical staff. The longest anyone survived without nutrition was 3 weeks. Anthony went eight weeks. His will to live was not only an inspiration, it was a gift to those he left behind. He made a difference. For now, we are not afraid because when our time is here, we will not fear. We will look forward to being with Anthony once again and seeing that "melt your heart smile" because he made a difference. Anthony Joseph Walahoski, 20, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away August 24, 2018 surrounded by family at home. Anthony was born April 14, 1998 in Kansas City, Mo. He attended St. Joseph Grade School, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, and was working towards his degree in mechanical engineering at Johnson County Community College. Anthony is survived by his parents, Thomas and Gina Walahoski and three sisters, Alexandrea (Ali), Ciara and Gabriela; his maternal grandparents, John and Earleen Goodack and his paternal grandmother, Joann Walahoski. Anthony was preceded in passing by his grandfather, Anthony Walahoski and Annette Rittmaster. In addition, Anthony leaves behind John and Suzanne Goodack, cousins Gavin and Grant; David Goodack; Roberta and John Bestor; Cindy and Bruce Bilger, cousins Emily and Amy; Dan Rittmaster, cousin Andrew Rittmaster and his "best friend" Kahuna. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 29 from 5-8 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 5 p.m. Mass will be Thursday, August 30 at 10 a.m., followed with graveside services at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. All services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. The family suggests donations to Childrens Mercy Hospital, Wayside Waifs or Sister Servants of Mary. Anthony loved the Kansas City Royals and you are invited to wear your favorite Royals attire.
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SERVICES Rosary
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 5:00 PM
St. Joesph Catholic Church (Shawnee) 11311 Johnson Dr Shawnee, Kansas 66203
Visitation
Wednesday, August 29, 2018 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
St. Joesph Catholic Church (Shawnee) 11311 Johnson Dr Shawnee, Kansas 66203
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, August 30, 2018 10:00 AM
St. Joesph Catholic Church (Shawnee) 11311 Johnson Dr Shawnee, Kansas 66203
Burial
Thursday, August 30, 2018 11:30 AM
St. Joseph Cemetery 61st & Quivira Shawnee, Kansas 66203