Paul E. Garstecki
Jan. 27, 1938-Oct. 21, 2024
TOPEKA — Paul E. Garstecki of Overbrook, Kansas passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, Kansas. He was 86.
Born January 27, 1938 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Frank S. and Minnie (Knipp) Garstecki. He grew up in Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties, graduating from Bonner Springs High School in 1956.
In 1959, he and his brother Gerald purchased a farm near Overbrook, Kansas where they would go on to farm together for over 60 years. From the late 80’s until the early 2000’s, Paul also operated Garstecki Seed Farm, selling bird feed and seed to individuals and in many retail stores throughout Northeast Kansas and the KC Metro areas.
In 1962 Paul enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he went on to serve as a reservist, working as an airplane mechanic at the air base in Olathe, Kansas until 1966.
On July 4, 1973 he married Patricia Oakland, and became stepfather to her four children, Gary, Cathy, Vicki & Eddie. They later divorced.
Always outgoing and outspoken, Paul never knew a stranger. He was as comfortable in the big city as he was in the country, and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Being a people person, he would go out of his way to help anyone he could, living by principles his mother instilled in him.
During what little spare time he had, Paul enjoyed visiting with family and friends, traveling, listening to old country music, and spending time with his two buddies, Ruby & Angel, his Pomeranians.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Frank, infant sister Mary, and his ex-wife Pat.
Survivors include his brother Gerald Garstecki, sister Phyllis Garstecki, niece Audrey (Tom) Stalder, all of Overbrook. His great nephews Cody Stalder and Jacob Stalder of Salina, Kansas, and his great-great niece Star Elizabeth.
Visitation will begin at 10 am Monday October 28th at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, 730 Western Heights Dr., Overbrook, followed by the funeral at 11 am. Interment will follow at 2 pm at the Bonner Springs Cemetery in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, Kansas and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
