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John Robert (Laakso) Logan

KANSAS CITY, MO – John Robert (Laakso) Logan, age 56, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on January 17, 2021, at North Kansas City Hospital. John died from severe health complications due to COVID-19.

John was born January 26, 1964, in Grand Rapids, MI, the first-born son of Robert and Roberta (Smith) Laakso. He grew-up in Chatham, MI, graduating from Eben High School (Superior Central) in 1982. John continued his education at Northern Michigan University earning a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1986. Other academic achievements include becoming a Certified Internal Auditor in 2007 and a Certified Public Accountant in 2009. Since 2011, John has been employed as the Director of Audit & Advisory Services for Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO.

John was best known for his friendly disposition and kindness to both humans and animals alike. He leaves behind many devoted friends, some of whom he’s known since childhood. John enjoyed staying connected with friends and family via social media. He had a natural talent for sending just the right comical and/or political meme to just the right person! He was a true friend with a generous heart and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Not only did John excel at academics, he was adept in the kitchen. His chocolate chip cookies, carrot cakes, and cheese cakes were enjoyed by family, friends, and co-workers alike. John loved the holiday season. He would spend days decorating multiple Christmas trees, from his huge collection of ornaments, that would impress any interior decorator! John also loved his pets and had a wealth of knowledge regarding animal care, especially pet birds. He also maintained beautiful tropical fish tanks, some of which were goldfish that enjoyed life in an outdoor water feature during the summer months. However, his most beloved pet is an orange tabby named Lola, a stray kitten that showed up on his doorstep and won his heart. He often mentioned how Lola brightened his days, especially the past year during the social distancing restrictions due to COVID.

John is survived by three siblings including: sister, Laura (Hugh) Celestino, The Woodlands, TX; sister, Brenda Meadows, Gladstone, MI; and brother, Brian (Carrie) Laakso, Chatham, MI. He’s also survived by nieces and nephews including: Ashley (Chris) Gohl; Courtney (Keith) Brown; Trent Celestino; Jeff Laakso; Ryan (Krista) Laakso; Collin Laakso; and Robert Laakso. John’s godchildren include: Zachary Garner; Jacob Garner; Hannah Garner; and Emily Garner. John is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kevin Laakso. Due to COVID, no public services will be scheduled. A celebration of his life will be held among immediate family members and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in John’s memory, to a local animal shelter of your choice.