John William Braklow, 76, of Overland Park, KS, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 pm, Wednesday, February 2, at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia St, Lenexa, KS. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103^rd, Overland Park, KS, 66214. Private family burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Holy Spirit Catholic Church Knights of Columbus. 

​John ”Jack” was born December 9, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, to William and Carole Braklow. As a boy, he loved spending time at his family’s lake cabin in Minnesota fishing. His love of the outdoors inspired him to become an Eagle Scoutat the age of 14. He was also an accomplished organist, but did not share that with many except his family. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, he attended the University of Iowa where he was in ROTC. He met Christine Grannan in 1967 and they soon married. Their marriage of 55 years created 3 children, Jana Braklow (Olathe), Jamie Numrich (Brian) (Overland Park) , and Jerry Braklow (Overland Park).He also has an honorary son, John Alvarez (Jen). John and Chris also had 9 grandchildren, including 3 sets of twins: Jake and Jesse; Hayley, Abbie, Ella, and Molly; and Ava, Jack and Addison. His family was his greatest love and joy. 

​John attended flight training in Florida in 1967, which later led to an opportunity as a pilot with Eastern Airlines. He spent many years in the transportation industry where he excelled in creating processes to improve the quality and efficiency of shipping freight. He received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rockhurst University. In 1992, he received the Franz-Edelman award for Achievement in Operations Research and Management Sciences. In the later years of his career, he had the opportunity to become an entrepreneur and establish a joint venture with his son, Jerry, in home restoration and custom home building which led to the establishment of Braklow Custom Homes. He loved being able to work with his son and valued the time they could spend together. It also allowed him to demonstrate to his family and community his values of integrity, kindness, charity, strength of character, and faith. His connection with others and belief in second chances,  enabled him to motivate people to find their path and succeed in life. He was full of grace.

​John left a lasting impression on the lives of all the people he met. He was a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and played Santa for Catholic Charities for the homeless program. He was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren and expected them to live a life of value by making a difference in this world. He believed in fairness, forgiveness, and family. His devotion to his wife, Chris, was witnessed by his children daily. His grandchildren will always remember fishing at the lake house, his hugs, and always saying “I love you” when he left. And his children will “always remember our last name” so that we continue to make him proud. We love you Dad.