Frank Petelin

Frank John Petelin, 75, passed away peacefully in his home in Lee’s Summit, MO on February 11, 2023.

Frank was born May 20, 1947 in Kansas City, KS to Frank D and Barbara (Sutulovich) Petelin and was proud of his Croatian heritage. Frank graduated from Bishop Ward H.S. in 1965, and went on to serve in the US Army, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, in Vietnam from March 1967- December 1968.

Frank was swept off his feet by Charla Jean White and they married on June 3, 1972 in Kansas City, KS. He was a leader in the forefront of the mobile phone industry as a salesman with Southwestern Bell, Cingular and Sprint. He received accolades throughout his distinguished career until he retired in 2008. Together, Frank and Charla raised three beautiful children in Blue Springs, MO. He loved sharing in their life pursuits and was beyond proud of their successes.

Frank was an avid fan of KU basketball, KC Chiefs, KC Royals and any team his children and grandchildren played for. He was a meticulous craftsman and lovingly designed many pieces of custom furniture for his family. Frank shared his love of the outdoors and fishing with friends, children and grandchildren. Frank was an honorary warrior with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and enjoyed hiking, fishing and camping experiences with his son. He shared great exaggerated fish stories and was always the life of the party. Frank was known for turning the volume up too loud when his favorite songs came on and loved dancing with his family at every opportunity. Frank’s childhood love for competition in sport grew into a love of coaching his children and grandchildren. When he wasn’t on the field, he was often the most animated cheerleader and coach in the stands.

Frank will be remembered for loving his friends and family with all his heart. He was fiercely loyal.

Frank is survived by his dedicated wife of 50 years, Charla, whom he loved dearly; his son, Andrew (Carrie); daughters, Jennifer (Dr. Greg) Johnson and Emily (Daniel) Morris all of Lee’s Summit; grandchildren, Brock, Bryce and Mary Kate Johnson, Julia, Caroline and Ellabea Morris, and Benjamin and Oliver Petelin; siblings, Dr. Joseph Petelin (Sandy), Anthony (Betty) Petelin, Mary (Jim) Burgard, Patrick (Karen) Petelin; sister-in-law, Donna Zamora; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him. Frank is preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Gerard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Frontline Fly Fishing organization, Attn: Bruce Storts, 3600 SW 9th St Crt, Blue Springs, MO 64015; or St Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church, Lees Summit, MO.