Rowena Cook Atzenweiler, 84, of Leawood, Kansas passed away suddenly and unexpectedly July 27. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend – she will be missed by all her friends and family.
Rowena was born in Mapleton, Kansas to Nina and Eldon Cook in 1936. Eldon died when Ro was two years old. A few years later Nina married Harley Coldiron – the town dentist in Columbus, Kansas. Harley had two boys (Bill and Bob) and an infant daughter (Mary). Rowena felt very fortunate to grow up with two brothers and a little sister – who she loved dearly.
Rowena attended Kansas State University where she was a Tri-Delta. She was introduced to Larry Atzenweiler who she married in 1958. After KSU she attended UMKC Dental School and graduated as a dental hygienist. Larry and Rowena were blessed by three children – Ann, Andy and David.
Rowena was proceeded in death by her daughter Ann in 1979 and her sister Mary in 2015. She is survived by husband Larry of the home (the Forum); sons Andy (Gena) of Leawood; David (Shirley) of Olathe; brothers Bill (Mary Kay) Coldiron, Overland Park; and Bob (Patty) Coldiron, of Philpsburg, PA., seven grandchildren: August and Stella Atzenweiler; Alex, Lauren, and Jacob Atzenweiler; Andy and Dane Hutchins; Niece Janelle (Mac) Hofeditz, Tiberon, CA; and nephew Brent (Sam) Piepergerdes, Lawrence, KS and with many other extended family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
1st cousin ,Topeka,Kansas ,Kansas
Rowena"s Mother.Nina and my Mother Bessie Kastl were sisters and had very close bond.My Father Eldon Kastl had the privilge as a ordained minister to marry Rowena and Larry! The summer before I was to marry in August. Rowena and Larry were very gracious to me and let me stay with them while I was looking for a summer job in the Kansas City area!I did find one in the plaza area and shared an apartment with girlfriends!I enjoyed my stay with Rowena and Larry and have some cherised memories! Mary sang at our wedding Aunt Nina made some of the bridesmaid dresses and bows for their hair and the flower girls dress Aunt Nina's Grandaghter beautiful little Stephaine.Rowena was a Beautiful person inside and out she had the most beautiful white blond hair! I remember what a wonderful Mother she was and so soft spoken. I felt the love she and Larry had for each other and their children during my stay!I would call Rowena just to keep in touch at times.John and I visted them at the Forum last fall and had a wonderful time! Treasured Memories Love,to all of you and your families! May all the cherish memories you have and with God's help sustain you during this difficult time! Love, John and Vicki Moomaw 1 1
Friends ,Ashland ,Missouri
Larry and family, so sorry to hear of Rowena's passing.Please know you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you. The family of Russ and Lois Harriman Elaine Clouser, Michelle Harriman Pointer, and Brad Harriman.
Cousin ,Manhattan ,Kansas
Ro and Larry have been very special people in the lives of our family over the years. Ro let me return Larry's barracuda rental car in KC when I was 16. (I'd drive her mom to KC in her Plymouth Fury for visits during the summer). I found out how a performance car could leave rubber on the downtown streets. They hosted Marileen and my pre-wedding party in '75 and invited us over during our Christmas vacations in KC. We got to share both good and sad times with them. They have a super family and are two of the most caring and sharing people we had the privilege of knowing. Rest in peace Rowena.
Nephew ,Oakland ,California
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Aunt Rowrna's passing. She was always extremely kind and friendly to me, even though distance meant we didn't see much of each other. She always took an interest in our children and I know she was extremely proud of her own children and grandchildren as she talked about them to me many times. I am very sorry for your loss.
