One of the first things Beau taught everyone who worked for him was that you always include history with whatever you’re going to talk about, Beau taught everyone well, so here is a little history about Beau - a model Rotarian who always puts service above self.
While Beau’s early life is linked to the Leavenworth Water Department, it’s important that a mistaken belief be corrected. Many People believe Beau was here in 1882 when the Water Department was founded. Well, folks, that’s not exactly true.
Beau was born March 15, 1934 in St. Charles, Missouri. His family moved from St. Charles to Leavenworth in 1937. His father, H.H. "Hobby" Kansteiner, mother Cora Mery (English teacher at LHS), sister Margo (LHS Class of 1948) and Beau, who was 3 years old. The Leavenworth Water Department hired Beau’s father to be the first manager of the new, separate Water Department. As a child Beau enjoyed playing at the unfinished water plant.
The years rolled by and Beau graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1952. He attended Kansas University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, obtained his Mechanical Engineering degree, and joined the active duty Navy for a three year deployment in the Pacific beginning in January 1958. After his active duty Navy time, Beau worked for Boeing and Beech Aircraft companies in Wichita, New Orleans and Seattle.
Beau followed in his father’s footsteps, working for the Leavenworth Water Department, planning the construction of a new six million gallon per day water plant, upgrading and re-opening the Kansteiner Plant, and installing 85 miles of new water mains. He was trustee of the Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association and it’s chairman in 1984-85. He received the prestigious George Warren Fuller national award in 1987. Beau was active in the recovery of the 1993 Flood in Leavenworth.
Beau joined Rotary in December 1971 and was president in 1983-84 and was Rotarian of the year in 1996. He had 100% attendance for 38+ years and running. He served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board for 20+ years and was their Chairman from 2001-2002. He was a member of the Leavenworth County Historical Society for 30+ years and president from 1985-1986. He was a longtime member of the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, serving on the church’s board for 20+ years, serving various positions including President. He was a blood donor for 30+ years and a member of 114 pint Donor Society.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 5th and Arch St., Leavenworth, followed by a funeral service at 7 P.M at the church. The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nix and Chaplain, Col. (Retired) Jim McKinney will officiate.
The family suggest memorial contributions to the Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Salvation Army or Rotary Scholarship.
Arrangements entrusted to the Davis Funeral Chapel.
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