In Memory Of
James R. Preisner
1936
2022
James R. Preisner
April 22, 1936 — September 19, 2022
James R. Preisner, 86, of Topeka, passed away Monday, September 19, 2022.
He was born April 22, 1936, in Ashland, Kansas, the son of Frank and Leona (Fitzgerald) Preisner.
He graduated from Ashland High School in 1954. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Washburn University in 1959, where he pledged Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
In 1958, Jim joined the Army National Guard, graduating from Guard Officer Candidate School in 1962. He served in the 35th Division and the 69th Brigade and was honorably discharged in 1965 with rank of 1st Lieutenant.
He worked at the Kansas State Highway Commission as a safety engineer in the Traffic and Safety Department and in 1963 was an administrative assistant to the director of medical health services with the state department of health. In 1965, he joined Seymour Foods, Inc., Topeka as the transportation manager. Later in 1979, he joined Thies Companies, Inc., Great Bend and Ohse Transportation, Inc., Topeka. He assisted in the formation of Ohse Transportation, Inc. and became Vice-President and General Manger. He retired from Ohse Transportation, Inc. in 1995.
Jim was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Shawnee Country Club (46 years), served on the Board of Directors Transportation Committee, American Meat Institute, American Trucking Association, and the Kansas Motor Carriers.
Jim married Janet Lee Kidwell on July 19, 1979 in Colorado Springs, CO. She survives. Other survivors include sons, James K. Preisner, Jeffrey Preisner, and Craig (Meredith) Preisner; step-children, Sheri (Douglas) Cafer, and B. Gen. Thomas (Jeryn) Palenske; sisters, Jeanne (Ron) Sturgeon and Joanne (Dennis) Herman; grandchildren, James (Jamie) Preisner, Rachel Preisner (Jayme Crawford), Kaetlynn (Austin) Phillips, Christian Palenske, Cathryn (Derek) Wieck, Cameron Cafer, Preston Cafer, and Victoria (Cody) Stephens; great-grandchildren, Brylee, Tommy, Lane, Boston and two great-granddaughters on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family, Jake Palenske (Mark Doty) and Seunghyeok (James) Hyun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert Preisner and Frank J. Preisner, Jr., and sister, Virginia Inman.
Jim enjoyed golf, working in his yard, and adored working part-time at the front desk at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Topeka. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66614.
To leave a message for Jim's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born April 22, 1936, in Ashland, Kansas, the son of Frank and Leona (Fitzgerald) Preisner.
He graduated from Ashland High School in 1954. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Washburn University in 1959, where he pledged Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
In 1958, Jim joined the Army National Guard, graduating from Guard Officer Candidate School in 1962. He served in the 35th Division and the 69th Brigade and was honorably discharged in 1965 with rank of 1st Lieutenant.
He worked at the Kansas State Highway Commission as a safety engineer in the Traffic and Safety Department and in 1963 was an administrative assistant to the director of medical health services with the state department of health. In 1965, he joined Seymour Foods, Inc., Topeka as the transportation manager. Later in 1979, he joined Thies Companies, Inc., Great Bend and Ohse Transportation, Inc., Topeka. He assisted in the formation of Ohse Transportation, Inc. and became Vice-President and General Manger. He retired from Ohse Transportation, Inc. in 1995.
Jim was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Shawnee Country Club (46 years), served on the Board of Directors Transportation Committee, American Meat Institute, American Trucking Association, and the Kansas Motor Carriers.
Jim married Janet Lee Kidwell on July 19, 1979 in Colorado Springs, CO. She survives. Other survivors include sons, James K. Preisner, Jeffrey Preisner, and Craig (Meredith) Preisner; step-children, Sheri (Douglas) Cafer, and B. Gen. Thomas (Jeryn) Palenske; sisters, Jeanne (Ron) Sturgeon and Joanne (Dennis) Herman; grandchildren, James (Jamie) Preisner, Rachel Preisner (Jayme Crawford), Kaetlynn (Austin) Phillips, Christian Palenske, Cathryn (Derek) Wieck, Cameron Cafer, Preston Cafer, and Victoria (Cody) Stephens; great-grandchildren, Brylee, Tommy, Lane, Boston and two great-granddaughters on the way; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family, Jake Palenske (Mark Doty) and Seunghyeok (James) Hyun.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert Preisner and Frank J. Preisner, Jr., and sister, Virginia Inman.
Jim enjoyed golf, working in his yard, and adored working part-time at the front desk at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am Saturday, October 1, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church, Topeka. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66614.
To leave a message for Jim's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James R. Preisner, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
the King Catholic Church
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