Paul Duffendack - In Memoriam

Paul Duffendack -- A True Rotarian

Paul Duffendack, a Plaza Rotary Club Rotarian for more than 16 years, passed away March 24, 2013 after a long and valiant battle against the complications of amyloidosis, an illness apparently brought on by his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam in the 1960s. Paul, 68, was an architect by classification but a Rotarian by example and heart.  And oh, yes, he was a Kansas State graduate and fan, too! 

Paul was born and reared in Kansas City.  After graduating from Southwest High School and Kansas State University, he joined the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer.  His service included a year in Vietnam as a military advisor with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam; he received several medals, including the Bronze Star.  He worked for several Kansas City architectural firms and was a founding trustee of the National Park Trust, a not-for-profit land conservancy, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Flint Hills of Kansas.  He was an avid fisherman, photographer, stamp collector, jazz music lover, runner, carpenter, and much more.  He is survived by his wife, Jan, and two sons, Jon and Steve, Steve's wife Alise Dodds, and two grandchildren, Spencer and Anna.

More than 20 Plaza Rotarians and their spouses attended a moving memorial service on April 5 at the Wesley Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. Donations may be made to either the KSU College of Architecture, Planning and Design or the National Park Trust, both of which were very special to Paul. Rest in peace, Paul!  You will be missed.