Kenneth Bruce Mehl

Kenneth Bruce Mehl (K.B.)
August 21, 1946 – July 12, 2025

Kenneth Bruce Mehl, affectionately known as K.B., passed away peacefully at his home in Woodland
Park, Colorado on July 12, 2025. He was 78 years old.
K.B. was born on August 21, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to Everett and Francis (“Frankie”) Mehl. He
married the love of his life, Linda Phillips, on July 11, 1970. Together they shared a deep love of music
and performed professionally at events of all kinds in their early years. K.B. earned a Bachelor of
Science from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville. He devoted his career to sharing his passion for music with others.
After teaching in Hardin, Illinois and Florissant, Missouri, he spent 38 years at St. Louis Country Day
School, which later became MICDS, where he taught vocal music and drama. He was especially
beloved for his leadership of the men's choirs and for directing the school’s fall musicals for over two
decades. For many years, he also directed Camp Deerfield, the school’s recreational summer program.
Outside the classroom, K.B. continued to live and breathe music. In 1999, he joined the internationally
renowned Ambassadors of Harmony barbershop chorus. Singing with the group brought him
tremendous joy, camaraderie, and the opportunity to perform across the U.S. and Europe. Though he
had not sung actively with the group in recent years, he remained a passionate supporter and follower
of their work to the end.
K.B. was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. He played
the baritone horn in the Big Red One Army Band and later directed the base chorus, composing musical
arrangements for its performances.
Beyond music, K.B. had a wide range of interests. He was an avid traveler, needlepointer, and a
lifelong lover of the water—from days spent cruising the Mississippi near Hamburg, Illinois to
exercising in the Woodland Park Community Pool. Though he claimed otherwise, he also had a soft
spot for animals—especially his wife's cat, Leo, who survives him. (He would undoubtedly roll his
eyes at the inclusion of “that damn cat” here, which is precisely why we had to mention it.)
While music and the arts were lifelong passions, the true center of K.B.’s life was his family. His love
for his children and granddaughters was the foundation of everything he did. He was a constant
presence in their lives—always eager to attend their events, celebrate their milestones, and hear every
detail about their days. He especially cherished getting updates about Delaney and Savannah, often

asking them about and lighting up at news of their adventures. It became something of a family joke
that he would frequently tear up when his children or granddaughters left the house—but it was simply
a reflection of his deep, tender heart. His love for his family was profound, steady, and unmistakable.
K.B. will be remembered as kind, loving, supportive, and endlessly devoted to sharing the joy of the
arts with others. His final days were filled with happiness—concerts, festivals, and meaningful time
with his family and lifelong friends. His last lunch was shared with his best friends of more than 60
years. Though his passing came suddenly, there is deep comfort in knowing that his final chapter was
full of love, laughter, and fulfillment.
K.B. is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Linda; his daughter Joanna Bartko and her husband
Mike; his son Derek; his sisters Marilyn Longmeyer and Mary Colliver; and his granddaughters
Delaney and Savannah Bartko.
He will be lovingly remembered by family and friends whose lives he touched so profoundly. His
voice, spirit, and unwavering encouragement live on in all who knew him.
Those wishing to commemorate his life are invited to make a donation to Green Box Arts, an
organization that epitomized his passions and values. If interested, please visit
greenboxarts.org/donations.

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