Kyoung Sook Alonzo, 78, died March 4, 2021, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1942, in North Korea, to Taek Hwan and Soon Duk (Choi) Chun.
Kyoung graduated from high school in Korea, and received her bachelor’s degree. After moving to Hutchinson, she worked as the Customer Service Manager for Hastings for over 25 years, starting out when Hastings was located at the Hutchinson Mall. Kyoung then transitioned to the new Hastings building, formerly on 30th Street. Known for her exemplary customer service, grace, and smile, Kyoung truly loved all her customers and co-workers, gaining friendships that have lasted through the years. In addition, she helped her husband, Mike, with their family business, Alonzo’s General Service.
Kyoung was an accomplished artist, enjoyed playing the bass, and listening to various types of music. She LOVED her KU Jayhawks, and for many years, would attend every football game (to watch her grandson play in the band). Kyoung’s love for the KU Jayhawks was second though, to her love for her grandchildren. Kyoung’s grandchildren were the center of her universe, and she strived to attend every activity they were involved in, even attending their college events. No distance was too long to travel for Kyoung to proudly support her grandchildren. She was an active member of The Cornerstone Baptist Church, Hutchinson.
On January 19, 1966, she married Michael “Mike” Alonzo, in Seoul, Korea. Mike and Kyoung met while he was serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. They shared 53 years of marriage before his death on February 22, 2019.
Kyoung is survived by: daughter, Jacqueline Suiter and husband Dale of Divide, CO; grandchildren, Benjamin Appel of Lawrence, Samantha Appel of Hutchinson, Brennan Stewart of Kansas City, MO, Meghan Stewart of Wichita, Mitchell Stewart and Michael Stewart, both of Hutchinson; sisters, Jeong Sook of Korea and Un Mi of Florida; brothers, Heung Jai of Houston, TX and Il Jai of Korea; Benjamin and Samantha’s father, Micheal Appel of Hutchinson; and her faithful beloved companions, Peanut and Sami.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; daughter, Eufemia Steierl; and brother, Hoon Jai.
Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Larry Wedel officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2021, and Friday, March 19, 2021, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation will follow the funeral service. Private family inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.
To view the service online, the link will be available at the end of Kyoung’s obituary on the Elliott Mortuary website the day of the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to The Cornerstone Baptist Church or Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.