Mikel V. “Mike” O’Leary, 57, of Hutchinson, died February 16, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa, Wichita. He was born March 24, 1967, in Coffeyville, his parents were John R. “J.R.” and Joyce A. (Schrag) O’Leary. On December 3, 1967, Mike was baptized at the First Methodist Church, Kiowa.
Mike graduated from Smith Center High School in 1985 and attended Burlington Vermont Culinary Arts School and Hutchinson Community College. He was currently working on his degree in Social Services at Wichita State University and was planning to graduate in the Spring of 2025. Mike worked as a chef for the El Dorado Country Club and Lawrence Country Club. He was a passionate listener to Zig Ziglar’s motivational speeches, his presentations inspired Mike to go into social work. Mike enjoyed watching many kinds of sports, his favorite teams were K-State, WSU, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an avid reader, reading all genres of books. Most of all Mike enjoyed helping others and spreading kindness.
Mike is survived by: his mother, Joyce O’Leary of Hutchinson; aunts and uncles, Marvin and Fae Schrag of Hutchinson, Roger and Peggy Tacha of Oakley, and Davieda Dick of Bradenton, FL; cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by: his father, J.R. O’Leary; grandparents, Harold and Rosalia O’Leary and David and Frieda Schrag.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at First Mennonite Church, 1718 W. Pretty Prairie Rd, Pretty Prairie. Burial will follow in Lone Star Cemetery. Friends may call 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2025, with the family present 5 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.