Gene Kiosow

In Loving Memory of Gene Kiosow

July 6, 1937 – April 21, 2025

Gene Kiosow was born on July 6, 1937, in Palausowka, Ukraine, to Iwan and Elena Kiosow. After surviving the hardships of war and time in Germany, Gene came to the United States with his family in 1950, thanks to the sponsorship of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, Kansas. A kind KU professor, Erma Spangler, helped the family learn English, and she often said Gene spoke perfect German with perfect grammar.

Gene served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1961 as a fuel specialist, then spent more than 35 years working as a mechanical engineer at FMC in Lawrence. He retired in 1999, and afterward, walked the Naismith Valley Park trail almost every day for the next 26 years.

Gene loved the simple things: gardening, keeping his yard in great shape, and spending time with his dogs, Molly and Boo. He had a soft spot for animals (especially the squirrels who came to his door for peanuts) and a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed golfing weekly with friends, painting in his home studio, and working with his hands. In fact, there wasn't much he couldn't paint or fix.

He loved spending time with family, watching KU basketball and the Chiefs, and visiting the beach, especially the Bahamas. He was a quiet man who believed in treating everyone with kindness.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Irina Chongova, Nadja Frolow, and Maria Brysky. He is survived by his sister Dora Stankewsky, his first wife Beverly Lasswell, their children Tony Gene Kiosow, Terisa Kim Kiosow, and Christina Jayne Kiosow, and grandchildren Rudy Love Jr., Ryan Kiosow, Brooklyn Kiosow, Bridget Kiosow, Brody Kiosow, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his wife Dora Kiosow, her daughter's Valerie Butke and Lisa Smith, and granddaughters Allison and Laura Leach.

Gene's death was an untimely one and his quiet thoughtfulness will be missed by all. Memory Eternal.