Mickey was predeceased by his son, Joseph, in 2011 and is survived by his wife Margaret, son Stephen and wife Tracy, daughter-in-law Kimberly, and his grandchildren Taylor, Fisher, Brooke and Riley.
Mickey graduated from Western Michigan University and completed his Masters Degree from Rockhurst University.
Mickey loved sports and played baseball (as a left-handed pitcher), basketball and football in his early years. He became an avid golfer later in life and instilled a love of the sport in his son and grandson through his teachings and sheer passion for the sport. Mickey also enjoyed a successful career as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry and as a Vice-President of Human Resources with Andrews McMeel Universal. He loved his friends and was the host of the most epic Thanksgiving parties every November. Mickey was consistent. He was loyal. And he always encouraged others through his kindness and contagious laughter. He modeled integrity and humility and was always quick to put others before himself. He cherished his family above all else and always stayed outside waving goodbye when visits came to an end. Family vacations to Disney and Hilton Head Island were always a priority throughout his life. Two of his favorite pastimes were watching Michigan Football and hazing people in ‘Lumpy’s March Madness’ basketball pools.
Following the funeral a reception will be hosted at Bristol, 5400 West 119th St. Leawood, Kansas. After cremation, Mickey’s ashes will be taken this summer to Hilton Head, his favorite vacation location.
Memorial donations can be made to Gift of Life, 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 109, Overland Park, Kansas. Gift of Life is the non-profit organization that presents over 400 speeches a year in the city to prompt the importance of organ donation. Every day 18 people die waiting for a transplant. Both Joe and Mickey were organ donors. www.giftdonor.org