Dr. Kristopher "Kris" Arheart

Dr. Kristopher “Kris” Arheart, aged 77, retired Biostatistician, passed away on February 6th, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, with his family at his side.

Kris was born in Dodge City, Kansas on October 13^th, 1948, to Robert and Virginia Arheart. He was raised in Elkhart, Kansas.  He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1966 and went on to pursue higher education with great enthusiasm. He briefly attended Wichita State University before earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science, as well as a Master’s degree in Statistics, from Kansas State University. His zeal for education led him to further his studies at the University of Memphis, where he earned an EdD in Research Methods/Statistics.  His passion for learning naturally extended into a career in education, where he taught at several colleges, including, Kansas State University, Washburn University, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, The Cleveland Clinic, the University of Texas at Austin, and finally the University of  Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he retired as an Emeritus Associate Professor in 2020.

Kris was a man of many interests including a love for soft jazz, classic rock and classical music.  He was an avid reader and NPR listener, enjoyed Mel Brooks movies, took pleasure in gardening, walking and cherished social gatherings with friends and family.  He also loved a good card game. In his later years, he shared a particularly close bond with his sister, enjoying frequent meals together and bonding over their shared love of Pad Thai and Chinese cuisine.

Kris was a “people person”.  He made lasting friends wherever he lived and worked and stayed in contact with them until dementia robbed him of his memory,  These are some of the words his colleagues used to describe him in their tributes; a great man, nice, witty, wonderful sense of humor, patient, kind, generous, deeply honest, and compassionate.  Besides loving people, Kris loved dogs, especially the homeless ones.  He and Peter provided a good home for many stray dogs throughout their marriage.

Kris lived a full life and leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom. He is survived by his children, Chandra and her husband Dave Cornali of LaVernia, TX; his son, Todd and wife Carie Arheart of Buhler, KS; his grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, Trenton, Johnathan, Isabella, and Hannah.  He also leaves his sister, Sylvia (Suzie) Davis of Wichita, KS, his brother, Bob Arheart and wife Marcala of Elkhart, KS; and sister-in-law Gina Picerno and husband John of Quincy, MA.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kris was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia Arheart and spouse Peter Picerno to whom he was married for 39 years.

In remembrance of Kris’s compassionate spirit, his support for various charities including the Humane Society, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, and Habitat for Humanity resonates as a testament to his caring nature.  Those wishing to honor Kris’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to their favorite charity.

Kris’s humor, generosity, and kind heart will forever remain in the memories of those whose lives he touched.

A family Celebration of Life will take place in the Summer of 2026.

Arranged through Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.