Jennis Olen Staude passed away peacefully on the evening of Sept. 13, 2023, after his family spent the day together at his bedside.

Born on Dec. 18, 1929, in Loyal, he was the third of four children born to Orlena Rose Vilhauer and Paul Otto Staude. As a young man, he played basketball at Loyal High School, where he first noticed a talented and beautiful player from Dover High School, Wanda Lu Williams.

She would become the love and devotion of his life and his wife of 70 years.

Jennis briefly attended Oklahoma State University, remaining a lifelong fan, but his studies were interrupted by the Korean Conflict.

He and Wanda were married while he was in uniform and he was soon stationed in England with the U.S. Air Force. During his deployment, they welcomed their first child, Bruce David.

After his discharge, Jen-nis continued his education at Oklahoma City University, studying art.

He became editor of the yearbook where he honed his project management and art skills to lead its production to an on-time completion, the first in the school’s history. He especially was proud of that accomplishment.

Following graduation, he began a 33-year career with Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Mo., as a store planner. His work took him across the country designing and installing card shops, including a store on Main Street at Walt Disney World.

He even had the opportunity to meet Sam Walton during one installation.

In addition to his design work, Jennis shared his knowledge by teaching public speaking courses to fellow employees.

Jennis and Wanda made their home in Gladstone, Mo., for nearly 40 years, where they raised their family and welcomed their daughter, Nancy Kee. Jennis was a devoted husband, a steady and patient father, dedicated to give Bruce the best life by navigating life opportunities for him.

He taught his children to face challenges with calm determination and to always lend a hand where needed.

Jennis loved golf and became a dedicated student of the game. He practiced diligently, building a driving range at two of his homes and continued playing until he was 92.

He also loved fishing and hunting, hosting annual Muskie Tournaments with his Hallmark friends at Pomme de Terre Lake and taking memorable trips for duck hunting and walleye fishing.

In retirement, Jennis and Wanda fulfilled a dream of building a home on Grand Lake of the Cherokees, where they enjoyed 18 years of golfing, boating and having the grandchildren visit, especially on the Fourth of July.

Their final move was to John Knox Village in Lee’s Summit, Mo., where Jennis cared for Wanda with quiet devotion as she faced dementia, remaining by her side until her passing in 2022.

He missed her deeply every day thereafter.

Jennis is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Kathy Staude of North Kansas City, Mo.; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Ray McGee of Lafayette, Calif.; and his beloved grandchildren, Travis and wife Lucia of Austin, Texas, and Kaitlin of Folsom, Calif.

His devotion to family and his calm demeanor will live on in each of them.

Jennis and Wanda were laid to rest together at Kingfisher Cemetery in May 2026.