KATHRYN L. (BERTONCIN) ZELFER Kathryn Louise (Bertoncin) Zelfer, 58, a resident of Lake Waukomis, MO passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014 with her loving family by her side. Kathy was born July 2, 1956 to Bert and Charlotte (Thomas) Bertoncin, Sr. in Kansas City, MO. She attended Park Hill High School where she met the love of her life. Kathy was united in marriage with Richard "Rick" Zelfer on September 28, 1973 in North Kansas City, MO. Rick and Kathy had one daughter, Stephanie. Kathy was employed at VVF Kansas Services in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the Human Resource Manager.

Kathy had a kind, loving, generous heart. She was very involved with her grandchildren, never missing any events. She loved to shop, especially on "Black Friday". Just the word "sale" got her to smile. Her favorite holiday was the Fourth of July. She went all out on decorations and loved to host huge gatherings celebrating. Kathy loved to travel. Rick and Kathy spent their blissful 40 years together traveling the world. They saw Paris, Greece, Italy, Niagara Falls, the Caribbean, Germany, just to name a few.

Kathy lived by this mantra . . . Laugh when you can, apologize when you should and let go of what you can't change. Life is short. . . live it well.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Rick Zelfer; daughter, Stephanie Riechers; two magnificent grandchildren, Dalton and Demi Riechers; three brothers: Bert Bertoncin, Jr.; Tom Bertoncin and partner, Todd Hesher; Robert Bertoncin and wife, Cindy; niece and goddaughter, Krystle Bertoncin.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held honoring Kathryn at 6:00 pm on Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Therese Catholic Church 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO with Rev. Mike Roach as celebrant. A Visitation Reception will be held following mass in the Parish Hall. Please join us for food, laughter and fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, Nana Kathy wanted to make her last gift to her grandchildren the gift of an education. An Education Fund has been set up in her memory. Memorial contributions may be made to Riechers' Education Fund Merrill Lynch 3401 College Blvd. Leawood, KS 66211.

Additionally, Kathy's family would like to extend their gratitude to the employees, management staff, and owners of VVF Kansas Services, North Kansas City Hospital staff and doctors, KU Med Center staff and doctors, NorthCare Hospice House, and the KU Medical Research Department. Memories of Kathryn and condolences to the family may be shared at www.myersfuneralchapel.com. Meyers Funeral Chapel Northland, Family Owned and Operated. meyersfuneralchapel.com (816) 741-0251

Published in Kansas City Star on July 23, 2014