Slentz, William 1944-2025 Kansas City, Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – William “Bill” Slentz, 81, formerly of St. Joseph, and as of 2020 to present resided in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Bill was a graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School in 1962 and went on to continue his education and earn his bachelor’s degree of science in business administration from Missouri Western State University.

On April 8, 1967, Bill married the love of his life, Diane, whom they had one child, William “Billy”, in 1980.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus from 1986 to present.

Bill had a love for cars and started a career in sales, then went on to work for Vektek for 25 years where he also retired from in 2019.

In 2014 another great joy came into Bill’s life, his grandson, Liam, whom he loved so much. One of Bill’s greatest joys was watching Liam play soccer and loved attending Liam’s soccer games. An avid bird lover, Bill could name almost any bird he saw and would be able to quote facts about those birds. He enjoyed feeding and watching them daily while reading his newspaper. Another one of Bill’s most favorite things to do was to bbq. He was a charcoal grill kind-of-guy and always grilled on his Weber charcoal grill. He had binders of BBQ meat and rub recipes he had collected and some he created himself. BBQing was a passion of Bill’s and he truly elevated BBQ to an art form.

William “Bill” Slentz was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill is survived by his wife, Diane Slentz of 58 years; son, William “Billy” Slentz (Sarah); grandson, Liam Patrick Slentz; and other loving family members to include Kelly Horn (Allison) and children.

Bill made such a lasting impression and impacted so many others in a way that he will never be forgotten. A selfless cherished soul, deeply loved by family and countless friends who will be greatly missed.

Farewell Services 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends for a visitation 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.