Aug 1, 1926 — Jul 17, 2026
Julius “Tutor” Verstraete, 99, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, just two weeks shy of his 100th birthday.
Julius was born on August 1, 1926, in Lenexa, Kansas, to Julius and Louise Verstraete.
On October 4, 1949, Julius married the love of his life, Lorene DeWitte. They later partnered with Lorene’s father, Alois DeWitte, on the family farm. After Alois retired in 1957, Julius and Lorene purchased the farm and continued farming until 2002.
As truck farmers, they became known for high-quality vegetables, especially tomatoes. Around 1960, they started Verstraete Gardens, a greenhouse business known throughout the Kansas City area for its flowers, bedding plants, and quality. They also built lasting friendships with customers who returned year after year for both the plants and the personal service.
In 1980, Julius, his son Roger, and Roger’s wife Janet started a Christmas tree farm, which became another cherished part of the family business. Through Verstraete Gardens and the tree farm, Julius created lasting memories and friendships with many families in the community.
After semi-retiring, Julius enjoyed golf at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course in Shawnee, Kansas, where he also served as a marshal. He valued the friendships he made there and the golfing community.
Julius will be remembered as a hardworking farmer, devoted husband, and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His work ethic, kindness, and dedication to family and community left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lorene DeWitte; his parents, Julius and Louise Verstraete; his brothers, Charlie, Clarence, and Jim Verstraete; and his sisters, Mary Louise Beam and Sylvia Lichtenauer.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Verstraete; his son, Roger Verstraete and wife Janet; his daughter, Christine Haubein and husband Ted; his grandchildren, Craig Verstraete, Jason Neff, Julie Moore, Amy VanZante, and Aiden Haubein; and 15 great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be prayed at 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Amos Family Funeral Home, followed by visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow immediately after the Mass.
The family ask in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the St Joseph Catholic Church.
Obituary published by Amos Family Funeral Home.
