Carolyn Rae Wirtanen

Carolyn Rae (Kurtenbach) Wirtanen, 72, of Liberty, MO, passed away April 27, 2023, at North Kansas City Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Carolyn was born April 7, 1952, in Herington, KS, the middle of three daughters of Ralph and Rosemary (Haslouer) Kurtenbach.  Along with her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her younger sister, Teresa Kurtenbach.

Carolyn grew up on a farm in Herington, KS and graduated from high school there.  She later received her bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and master’s degree from Central Michigan State University.

Carolyn began her career as a Medical Technologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City and later worked as a Med Tech while living in Monterey, California. While in California, Carolyn developed a love for the ocean and scuba diving. Following the birth of her daughter, Rachel, Carolyn returned to the Kansas City area where she went to work for Cerner for 12 years.  For the past six years, Carolyn was a clerk for the Internal Revenue Service.

Carolyn was a lifelong Catholic and a member of Holy Family parish.

Carolyn’s greatest passion was being a proud and devoted mother.  She leaves her daughter, Rachel Dumbolton, of the home.  She also leaves her older sister, Marianne Sylvester and husband Harvey, Jr., and their daughters, Ann Sylvester and Karen Sylvester, as well as other family members and friends.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 919 NE 96th Street, Kansas City, MO 64155. Burial will be at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in Herington, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials remembering Carolyn’s eight-year battle with cancer, are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.