Bob Lavelle
September 23, 1951 ~ April 26, 2021
On April 26, 2021, Bob Lavelle, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at age 69. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Dan and Christine Lavelle. Bob was a member of the local plumber’s union. He earned his teaching degree from WSU in 1986 and taught at South High School for several years and worked at Via Christi St. Francis in Facilities and Construction Management. He enjoyed bicycling and volunteered many hours with Prairie Travelers helping develop and maintain the Sunset Trail in west Wichita and the ARTE Trail in Andover. He loved teaching and volunteered many years at St. Jude Catholic School teaching LEGO Mindstorms. He loved his family and helped us all with so many home projects. His joy, hard work and perseverance were an inspiration and blessing to us all. We will miss him tremendously. Bob is survived by his wife, Lucy; daughter, Kellie; sons, Nick (Magen), Joe and Pat of Colorado; stepsons, Luke (Kelly), Matt (Erin) and John (Beth) Barthelme; brothers, Marty (Betsy) Lavelle of Ohio, Dennis (Carolyn) Lavelle; sisters, Claudia (Don) Sanders of Florida, MaryAnn (Mark) Swanson of Georgia, and 13 grandkids. Rosary, 10:00 a.m.; Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., both Friday, April 30 at St. Jude Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Catholic School, 3030 N. Amidon, Wichita, KS 67204; Prairie Travelers Sunset Trail, c/o Prairie Travelers, P.O. Box 781033, Wichita, KS 67278 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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My brother Bob, kind, loving, generous and strong. Able to face any adversity that came his way. My final memory of him will be dancing with the love of his life, Lucy.
Uncle Bob was always able to smile at anything, no matter how daunting it was. He helped advise me as I got into cycling and he always encouraged me to keep working at it. I’ll always be thankful that my last time spent with him was just him and I at dinner, while I was in Kansas for work. You will be greatly missed by all Uncle Bob. Your willingness to relentlessly fight cancer for so many years will forever be an inspiration. Love, Christine
Jan and I got to know Bob when we with him on the 2017 Bike across Kansas road tour. He was a most fun and considerate biking and driving partner. Lucy came along in case of any health problems but he made it the entire way and we will never forget what a great time we had with Bob that week. David and jan Hopkins
I had the pleasure of working with Bob at Via Christi many years ago. The first and most lasting memory of Bob is how his smile could light up a room and when he bounded into a conference room for a meeting (usually late) how the energy level in the room picked up. Rest well my friend and we shall meet again.
Bob was always the peace keeper, kind to all, tough as nails and always a smile. I remember when he and the kids lived with us in Miami -what a wild time that was! Heaven has gained an angel but he will forever live in our hearts. Love to Lucy and the family. ❤️
My hero.
I am so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I lived across the street from the Lavelle’s in Huber Heights, Ohio. I was friends with his sister MaryAnn. Love always Debbie Smith Moore