Former Emporia City Commissioner and local business owner Jim Muckenthaler sadly passed away Sunday evening at the age of 84.
Muckenthaler was best known as the owner and longtime operator of Muckenthaler Inc. Restaurant Supply which closed down back in 2020. Muckenthaler opened the business in 1971 after purchasing the business from Wally Evans who ran the Emporia Wholesale Coffee Company where Muckenthaler worked after completing basic training as a member of the US Army National Guard.
In addition to running Muckenthaler Inc., Muckenthaler was also heavily involved in the local community and even served four years as a member of the Emporia City Commission.
Fellow former commissioner, and longtime friend, Ray Toso remembers Muckenthaler as a “knowledgeable businessman, passionate Emporian and a dedicated family man” who cared deeply for his community.
Jim Kessler, formerly of Modern Air, worked closely with Muckenthaler for several years. He says in his passing, Muckenthaler leaves behind a better Emporia.
Muckenthaler is survived by his wife of 61 years Theresa, three sons John, Joe and Jay, Two brothers, a sister, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Manual and Bertha, brother Bill, sister Mary Beth Perry and brother-in-law Don Kincaid.
A visitation is planned for Thursday at 6:30 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10:30 am inside of Sacred Heart with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and School or Children’s Mercy Hospital in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home at PO Box 175, Emporia KS 66801.
