Fred R. Wyrsch Jr., 63, of Kansas City, Kansas, died January 6, 2014, after a long battle with cancer. Fred is survived by his four children, Anne Wyrsch of Atlanta, Georgia; Laura Wyrsch and Michael Wyrsch of Raleigh, North Carolina; Frederick R. Wyrsch III of Greenville, North Carolina; and by their mother Nancy Fagan Wyrsch.

Fred also leaves behind seven brothers and sisters: Katie Wyrsch and Mary Ann Wyrsch of Washington, D.C.; Betty Wyrsch Wilson (Tom), Margie Wyrsch Manning (Pat), Martha Wyrsch, and Tom Wyrsch of Kansas City, and Gerry Wyrsch (Martha) of San Diego, California. He is also survived by ten nieces and nephews, his beloved uncle, Edward P. O'Connor, and his wonderful aunt, Nell Marie Wyrsch, as well as a host of first and second cousins both in the U.S. and in Ireland.

Fred was blessed with a number of loyal long-time friends from all parts of the U.S. Their commitment to him and the camaraderie and assistance they provided to Fred during his illness are very much appreciated by his family.

Fred was the son of Frederick R. Wyrsch, Sr, and Catherine O'Connor Wyrsch Cusick. He was very proud of his Irish heritage, serving as an officer in the Kansas City division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was an early promoter and supporter of Kansas City's St. Patrick's Day Parade, establishing the first Parade Committee on which he served for a number of years, as well as presiding as Grand Marshall of the Parade in 1986. Fred, along with his brother Tom was recognized for their service to the Irish community in Kansas City by receipt of the 2011 Cullinan Family Spirit Award given each year by the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee.

Fred was also very proud of his brief career as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs at the start of the 1974 season, and the occasion of that year's players' strike. Fred was requested to try out by several teams that year, and was signed by the Chiefs, playing in four preseason games before the settlement of the strike and the return of regular players.

A graduate of Rockhurst High School and Southwest Missouri State University, Fred worked in the investments and securities business in Kansas City and Chicago for over 25 years. In addition to his St Patrick's Day Parade activities, he was active in a number of religious, fraternal and charitable organizations over the years. Most recently, he was a member of the Serra Club of Kansas City, and the NFL Alumni Association, and was a faithful member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kansas City.

Burial services were private. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC. A Memorial Mass for Fred, and a Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Redemptorist Catholic Church, 33rd and Broadway, Kansas City, MO. Contributions in Fred's memory may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, 9221 Ward Pkwy, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114, or to a charity of your choice.