Mike McClaskey 1938-2026
Micheal E. “Mike” McClaskey, 87, of Hoyt, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, with family at his side.
He was born on July 1, 1938 in Horton, the son of Theodore and Thelma (Schuetz) McClaskey. He was a 1956 graduate of Powhattan High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After completing his service in the Navy, he went to work for DuPont for more than 30 years. Following that he truly enjoyed working for area farmers during planting and harvest season.
Mike was a man of deep faith, contagious humor, honesty and generosity. He was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish for more than 60 years and he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike’s favorite place to be was outside. He was a passionate hunter, fisherman, gardener and horseshoe pitcher. He leaves behind a long list of wonderful hunting, fishing and horseshoe pitching buddies who have many a story to tell!
Mike will be remembered for his gift of teaching and patiently guiding young people. Three fond accomplishments were helping begin Jackson County Friends of Hospice, where he served on the board of directors for more than 30 years. The second was recognition as a 60-year member of the Kansas Horseshoe Pitchers Association and the third was the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight program.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Thelma McClaskey; beloved wife of 27 years, Barbara (Schecher); son, Jim McClaskey; two brothers, Robert and Patrick McClaskey; and two sisters, Mary Sue Ercolani and Ellen Boliski.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Karen (Fund-Hicks) of Goff; daughter, Sheri (Dave) Wohlfert of Westphalia, Mich.; son, Joe (Erin) of Mosley, Va.; stepdaughter, Shelley (Sam) Russell, Hoyt; and stepson, Robin (Kim) Hicks, Overland Park. He is also survived by a sister, Janet McClaskey and brothers Leo and Tim (Michelle) McClaskey, all of Horton. Left to carry on his legacy of honesty, hard work and giant humor are 10 grandchildren, Kevin, Jason, Shannon, Amanda, Morgan, Evan, Ryan, Danyelle, Taylor and Alexandra; and eight great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Colton, Lewis, Ella, Dominic, Sutton, Paisley and Hayes.
A rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Monday, March 16 with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Mercier, followed by a luncheon at St. Leo’s Parish Center in Horton. In honor of Mike’s love of St. Patrick’s Day and being comfortable, please wear your jeans and something green.
Memorials may be given in Mike’s honor to Faith Hospice, Topeka Horseshoe Pitchers Club or St. Francis Xavier Parish, 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)
