Laurene E. Selack

January 13, 2012

Laurene E. Selack, 96, of McPherson, passed away at 9:12 a.m., Friday, January 13th, 2012 unexpectedly at McPherson Hospital, McPherson, Kansas. Emma Laurene Selack, the only child of William C. and Katherine Elizabeth “Kate” (Messer) Schlatter, was born in the house at 712 South Walnut Street, in McPherson on September 12, 1915. As a young girl, Laurene enjoyed music and learned to play the piano from her mother. She learned to pick out simple tunes at a very early age, impressing her father with her ability. She attended the First Christian Church where she was baptized and became a member throughout her life. She attended the Roosevelt elementary school, McPherson Junior High School, and graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1933. While in high school, Laurene frequently accompanied soloists and ensembles from the band program and even taught the band teacher enough piano playing skills to earn his music teaching certificate. She traveled with the high school band her senior year to the Chicago Worlds Fair and was maid of honor to the May Day Queen. She then attended McPherson College for two years. During this time she taught piano lessons in the summer to approximately 50 students, driving to their homes in the Monitor area for 50 cents per lesson and presented her students in recitals two times. Laurene transferred to the Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, Kansas and worked in the National Youth Administration for 25 cents per hour as an accompanist. She gradually worked up to 75 cents an hour as a director. Laurene graduated from Emporia in 1939 with a teaching degree, a major in Music and English and a minor in Psychology. Laurene took her first teaching job at Benedict, in southeast Kansas near Coffeyville, as a high school vocal and instrumental music and English teacher. It was while teaching that Laurene met her husband-to-be, Albert Henry Selack who was also a teacher. They were united in marriage on May 25, 1941 at Wichita, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Belle Plaine, where Al taught and Laurene substitute taught until Al was called to military service in the spring of 1943. Laurene moved back to McPherson to live with her mother while awaiting the birth of her first child, Richard, born in September 1943. After Al returned from the war in 1945, they remained in McPherson and Laurene taught piano lessons and raised their family. A daughter Marilyn was born in February of 1947 and son Rex was born in September 1952. Through the years Laurene usually taught approximately 30 students every week. In 1956, Laurene became organist at the First Christian Church and did so fulltime until she retired in 1993. In 1961, Laurene begin teaching music at Centerview country school, northwest of McPherson until the school closed in 1965. After that, Laurene substitute taught at McPherson Middle School and McPherson High School for a number of years. Laurene was a kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. The interests and well being of her family were of the utmost importance to her. Along with her membership with the church she was also a member of the Christian Women Fellowship, was a Stephen’s Minister, and a member of the Home Builders Sunday School Class, and served her church through the years in many other capacities. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, the Kansas and National Music Teachers Association, American Organ Guild; and the American Legion Post 24 Ladies Auxiliary and Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, both of McPherson. In addition to her love of music, Laurene has enjoyed raising roses. She began while in high school and continued until she moved to the Cedars Courts. Laurene has also enjoyed sewing and for many years made all of her own clothes. Laurene enjoyed playing golf with Al and her friends at the McPherson County Club for about 30 years. Laurene and Al enjoyed traveling. After Al retired in 1980, they would usually spend time during the winter in Texas, Arizona, or California. Laurene and Al moved to the Cedars Village in September 1988. Laurene and her family were deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Al in March of 1990. Laurene, after Al’s death, continued to teach piano and also traveled extensively. Laurene retired from piano teaching in 2001. Laurene was very proud of her children and always wanted the best for them. She was especially fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always looking forward to their visits and times they could share together. Laurene Selack, 96, of McPherson, passed away at 9:12 a.m., Friday, January 13th, 2012 unexpectedly at McPherson Hospital, McPherson, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Al. Surviving family members include her children, Richard Selack of McPherson, Kansas, Marilyn Woodard of St. Louis, Missouri, and Rex Selack of McPherson, Kansas; three grandchildren, Adam Woodard and his wife Ana, Nathan Woodard and his wife Gina, and Lucas Woodard, all of St. Louis, Missouri; five great-grandchildren, Bennett Woodard, Ian Woodard, Isabel Woodard, Wyatt Woodard, and Fletcher Woodard; and a host of friends.Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, McPherson, Kansas. The funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, McPherson, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 19th, with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating. The final resting place will be at the McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas with the American Legion Post 24 Ladies Auxiliary providing member services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church of McPherson, Kansas and they can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.