Michael Patrick Ireland

Michael (Mike) Patrick Ireland, 82, passed away on September 2, 2020, after a full and eventful life. A man with a sharp wit and mischievous twinkle in his eye, Mike was often the center of attention. He loved a good joke and was quick to share his laughter. He was also a loving father and husband who will be deeply missed.

The son of George and Gertrude Ireland, he was born September 29, 1937, in Aurora, Illinois. He grew up in the Chicago area attending St. George Catholic High School where he played basketball and was named an All-American. He went on to play ball at the University of Notre Dame from 1956 to 1959. While at Notre Dame, he met his first wife, Marie Malek to whom he was married for 39 years until her passing. In 2003, he married Nancy Miller, with whom he spent the rest of his life.

He began his career with the Coca-Cola Company, rising to regional vice-president. As a negotiator of labor contracts, he demonstrated his toughness. But, in the era of the martini, Mike drank nothing but Coke his entire life.

After 14 successful years with Coca-Cola, he moved to the Hesse Corporation, a truck manufacturing company, first as President and later as owner. He significantly increased the range of Hesse’s operations, opening plants in Poland, Japan, and Henderson, Nevada, in addition to the Kansas City based plant. He sold the company in 1997 and retired to pursue his passion of golf.

Mike was truly devoted to golf. From his first round at the Edgewood Valley course near Chicago, Illinois, he kept the score card from every course he ever played. He traveled across the world playing on as many courses as he could find. In the end, he played 1,629 courses, in 12 countries, on three different continents. When asked how long he would play, he replied “As long as I’m on this side of the grass.” Locally he was a member of Blue Hills Country Club for many years.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents George and Gertrude Ireland, sister Kathy Schweiger, and wife Marie Malek Ireland.

He leaves behind wife Nancy Miller Ireland, daughters Karen Ireland Dunlap (Jim), Barbara Ireland, Christine Ireland McKee (Charles), Cynthia Ireland Arnold (Andrew), and Kelly Bridget Ireland (Aaron), stepsons Jeff Miller (Shara), Aaron Miller, Marty Miller, and 12 grandchildren.

Rosary will be at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 14251 Nall Ave., Leawood, KS Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a visitation and funeral Mass at 11:00. There will be a private burial.

Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.