Mike served as a staff sergeant in the Army stationed in Munch, Germany. After discharge, Mike was an elementary school principal for 40+ years in the state of Kansas. Early years in Arkansas City, serving in Adams and Lincoln Elementary. He later relocated to Wichita and was the principal in Haysville. He was a fair administer who was loved by both teachers and students. He earned both bachelors and masters in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At university he met and married his first wife, Jerri Mahaney.
Mike moved to Andover, Kansas when he met and later married Beth Blackwell in 1997. The two enjoyed traveling, watching grandkids ballgames and occasionally visited a casino to play slot machines often hitting a big win. Later in life, the enjoyed an afternoon or after dinner nap in their favorite recliners.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending time fishing, pheasant hunting or taking daily walks with his friend, Larry. He loved his guitars and spent time picking and grinning as he would say. Time spent on the family farm in Proctor were happy days; filled with managing a huge garden, hunting, fishing, creek baths, chopping firewood, and taking care of the cattle with his father. Mike also had a big garden at their home in Andover and loved sitting on the porch bird watching.
Mike was proud of his Cherokee heritage. He shared stories of Indian culture, medicine, and Cherokee history with his kids. His ancestors were part of the group responsible for in bringing progress to NE Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike's memory can be made to Cherokee Nation Education Corporation, 800 Muskogee Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Leeo Wolfe; daughter-in-law, Kim Blackwell; grandson, Lucas Lee; and brother-in-law, Billy Trickett.
Mike is survived by his wife, Beth Wolfe; children, Terri (Jeff) King, Karen (Brad) Whitaker, Steve Wolfe, Susie (Kevin) Lee, Steve (Kelma) Blackwell, Tim Blackwell; grandchildren, Alex King, Katie Whitaker, Mollie Whitaker, Jack Whitaker, Dr. Kathryn Wolfe, Jon Wolfe, Jess Lee, Olivia (Matthew) Hildebrand, Kyle (Rachael) Blackwell, Ashley (Chris Thomas) Blackwell, Krista (Jason) Webster, Kayla Blackwell, Jackie Blackwell, Samantha Blackwell, Austin Blackwell; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Reba Trickett; sister-in-law, Dr. Donna Sweet; nephews, Jim Trickett and Al Craig; as well as extended family members and friends.
Funeral service for Mike will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, with visitation one hour prior at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS 67206.
Burial for Mike will take place Friday, 2:00 PM, February 17, 2023, at Proctor-Sanders Community Cemetery in Proctor, Oklahoma.
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