Kenneth Bruce ‘K.B.’ Mehl | 78 | Woodland Park, CO

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 Aug. 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.