Otto Kaifes

Otto Kaifes, 94, patriarch of the Kaifes family, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. Born on February 29, 1932, to Franial and Mary (Gerkovich) Kaifes on Strawberry Hill in Kansas City, Kansas, Otto grew up with a mischievous spirit, playing with neighborhood children. He attended St. John the Baptist Grade School and graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1950. He often said the Korean War saved his life. He served in the Air Force, flying L.C. Smiths, playing basketball overseas, and embracing a life of adventure. Upon returning, he earned a teaching degree from the University of Kansas City.

Otto devoted his career to education, teaching mathematics for 30 years at Van Horn High School and continuing for 50 years at night at Longview Community College. Thousands of students passed through his classroom. His electric personality—engaging, confident, and occasionally cocky—made him a memorable and powerful teacher. He challenged students to believe in themselves, teaching not just math but discipline, clear thinking, and confidence in facing life’s problems. He loved thinking games such as Killer, Black Magic, and Magazine, which he shared with his classes.

A lifelong lover of baseball, Otto founded and coached the baseball program at Van Horn, often without pay. He enlisted his wife Carol to run the concession stand, with their children helping at the gate and with the hot dogs. His coaching and fundraisers became legendary. He and Carol, married for 65 years until her passing in May 2022, were devoted supporters of their children and grandchildren at every sporting event, traveling together in their Cadillac. Otto was known for hosting large holiday gatherings, playing Santa, setting up basketball goals, and creating memorable Independence Day celebrations filled with fireworks, safety rules, and neighborhood fun.

Otto instilled in his children and grandchildren the values of practice, preparation, poise, and performance. A skilled athlete and fierce competitor in basketball, golf, and bowling, he backed up his good-natured trash talk with impressive ability. He spent countless hours throwing batting practice, rebounding basketballs with the encouragement “Do you feel it? Muscle magic baby!” and tutoring family members in math. He took great pride in all his children becoming college graduates and looked forward to the same for his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and beloved wife Carol. Otto is survived by his large, loving family, including his sons Kurt (Leigh Anne) Kaifes, Gregg Kaifes, Eric Kaifes, Otto (Lori) Kaifes, Kent Kaifes, and daughter Carrie (Tom) Lally, along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many dear nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog Deuce.