Michael Lee Hermreck

Michael Lee Hermreck passed away May 3, 2026 at the age of 70 years, 6 months, and 7 days. Mike was born on October 27, 1955, in Nowata, Oklahoma, to William A. and Norma Lee Hermreck. He grew up in Osawatomie, Kansas, where his father worked at Taylor Forge in Paola and his parents, Bill and Norma, owned The Shoe Box for many years. Mike was active in both the First Presbyterian Church in Osawatomie and Saddleback Church in California.

Mike graduated from Osawatomie High School with the Class of 1973. During high school, he was active in football, track and field, and especially wrestling, where he compiled an impressive 89-9-1 record. He attended Fort Scott Community College, wrestling there for two years before graduating from Emporia State University in 1978 with a degree in recreation.

Following graduation, Mike worked in recreation at Osawatomie State Hospital. Over the years, he also worked for JCPenney and spent many years in Laguna Hills and Oceanside, California, helping manage service stations and tow services owned by his cousin, Bill Page. During that time, he also worked alongside cousins Rick and Russell Page. Mike later returned to Kansas and ended his working career at the The Clorox Company plant in Spring Hill.

While living in California, Mike was united in marriage to the former Linda Martin of Osawatomie. The couple later divorced.

Mike loved to cook and barbecue and remained active in sports throughout his life. He played in a men’s basketball league while attending ESU and later enjoyed playing on fast-pitch and softball teams with high school friends and community members. He also enjoyed golfing and refereeing sporting events.

Mike was known for his fun sense of humor and friendly personality. He loved spending time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Garnett. He especially loved Grandma Hermreck’s cooking and baking and cherished visits to Aunt Ruth and Uncle Harold Zwiener’s farm with cousins Dwight, Kendall, and Diane.

Until his passing, Mike had an incredible memory and loved sharing detailed stories about adventures with friends and family, sporting events, specific plays and matches, and the many valued friendships and experiences from his younger years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Norma Hermreck. Survivors include his sisters, Lu Ann Hermreck of Olathe, Kansas, and Susan Kay Troxel of South Carolina; niece Jennifer Troxel Clough of Florida; and nephew Matt Troxel of Florida.

Mike’s best friend for decades was Bill Jackson, also a member of the Osawatomie High School Class of 1973, who currently resides in Ottawa. Bill was there for Mike every step of his journey. The care, support, and visits provided by Bill and Valorie Davidson were above and beyond. Mike’s sister, Lu Ann, and the staff at Rock Creek are deeply appreciative and credit Bill for greatly enhancing the quality of Mike’s life.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Rock Creek staff, administrator Michelle Randall, and the entire support team. Mike enjoyed the friendly staff and many conversations about the Chiefs and countless other topics. The Harbor Hospice nursing team also provided wonderful care and support during Mike’s final days.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the OZ Food Pantry in memory of Mike.