Micheal A. Ireland 1949-2015
The Honorable Judge Micheal Allen Ireland, 66, Holton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at Stormont-Vail Hospital.
He was born May 23, 1949 in Holton, the son of Russell L. and Pauline A. (Desbien) Ireland.
Mike graduated from Holton High School in 1967 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University in 1971 while a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating from K-State, Mike taught and coached at Southwestern Heights in Plains, Winfield High School in Winfield and Piper High School in Piper (Kansas City). He fulfilled his dream of being Head Football Coach and Head Baseball Coach at Piper High School. He loved to teach and was invited as a special speaker for many local high schools throughout his career. He then attended Washburn University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor of Law.
Mike had his own private law practice, Ireland Law Office, in Holton for many years and had served as Jackson County Attorney for about 16 years. On Aug. 21, 2006, Mike was appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to serve as Second Judicial District Judge. He was currently serving.
He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton and was active in many clubs in the community and surrounding communities.
Mike married Beverly Oppy on Aug. 8, 1970 in Manhattan. They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
Survivors include his wife, Bev, of the home; his daughters, Lisa Rose (Ryan) of Holton and Jill Vincente (Chris) of Overland Park; his son, Mark Ireland (Carla) of Topeka; three grandchildren, Brandt Micheal Rose, Kyler Farrel Rose and Logan Micheal Ireland; two sisters, Brita Kelly of Topeka and Mary Dexter (Cork) of Holton; a brother, Dennis Ireland of Holton; and a sister-in-law, Linda Ireland of Topeka.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lawrence Ireland.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be given to the Holton High School Athletic Fund, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
