MICHAEL JOHN GNEFKOW, SR.

Mike Gnefkow, age 69, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away on March 26, 2018 at the Kansas City Hospice House, from complications sustained in a fall back in December.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Susie Gnefkow; his children, Christine Hime (husband, Phil), Michelle Van Trump (husband, Kevin), and Michael Gnefkow, Jr. (wife, Blanca); five grandchildren, Jordan, Skyler, Kennedy, Nick, and Quinn; his mother, Elizabeth Joyce Gnefkow; his brother, Jim Gnefkow (wife, Vicki); sister, Susan Sexton (husband, Tom), mother-in-law, Kathryn Douglas; and Godmother Mary Sparling.

He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Gnefkow; two brothers, Robert Gnefkow, and William Gnefkow, Jr.

Mike was born on April 2, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of William J. Gnefkow and Elizabeth Joyce (Grant) Gnefkow. Mike was a proud graduate of Rockhurst High School in 1966.

He claims his biggest stroke of luck came when he met an amazing girl from St. Teresa Academy named Susan "Susie" Douglas. They were married in North Carolina, in January of 1967, and have been happily married for 51 wonderful years. Together, as best friends and soul mates, the couple was able to overcome all odds and obstacles to accomplish what many can only dream about.

Having to provide for his family, Mike began a blue collar career joining the Asbestos Workers Local Union #27. Working many long hard hours, he was able to claw his way to the top of his profession, all while being an amazing husband and father to three wonderful children. He also found time to hold several positions with Local Union #27, offices of Financial Secretary, Executive Board, and Pension Board. Mike also served as Chairman of the Board for the South Metro Fire Protection District for 19 years and on the TIF Committee for Raymore, MO.

Mike had an uncanny knack and passion for staying ahead of the curve and understanding economic trends and cycles. This helped fuel his passion for investing. Through the years he was able to amass an extensive real estate portfolio, large stock portfolio and even became the owner a company called "The Mutual Fund Store" in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mike had obtained a private pilot's license, he was never afraid of change, risk or hard work.

Much more important however than Mike's career or financial accomplishments, was the amazing role-model and "rock" he became to his entire family. He coached his children in little league and always tried to attend all of his grandchildren's events. To say his family meant the world to him would be huge understatement. His unwavering loyalty, contagious smile, famous one-liners, beautiful blue eyes, and worldly wisdom will be forever missed.

Mike's family would like to extend a special thank you to "Team Mike" for showing such loving care and support to Mike and his family throughout this difficult time. A special thank you to sister-in-law, Dianne Gormly, for all the help.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., on Monday, April 2, 2018, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Kansas City, Missouri. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at the Parish.

A reception will take place after the service at More Hall- St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes Rd. KCMO, 64131.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation (kchospice.org); City Union Mission (cityunionmission.org); or to the Salvation Army (salvationarmy.org).


Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278