Michael Joseph Hrabe died November 3, 2018, after a year-long battle with melanoma cancer. He was born on November 26, 1944, to George and Lois (Schoeni) Hrabe. Mike, as he was affectionately known, grew up on the family farm southeast of Kensington and was a 1962 graduate of Kensington High School.
Mike married Diann Ruth Johnson on September 6, 1964. Together they raised three sons, Michael Shane, Joel Blane and Daniel Lyle on the same family farm where he was raised. Mike considered his three sons to be the greatest achievement of his life until he became a grandpa.
Throughout his lifetime, Mike worked at the Phillipsburg Refinery, farmed, was a hunting dog breeder and trainer, a hunting guide, a correctional officer, and following his retirement from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in 2011, he worked part time for the Smith County road department.
Mike was a sports enthusiast and was on the sidelines or in the audience of every event his sons and grandchildren were involved in. He was an ardent fan and occasionally could be heard reprimanding an official when he felt it was warranted. He celebrated every milestone and achievement his sons and grandchildren attained and was a staunch supporter of the Kensington Goldbugs who later became West Smith County and following consolidation, the Thunder Ridge Longhorns.
Mike loved horses and was an active member of the Fort Bissell Saddle Club. He spent many enjoyable hours at horse show events with his grandchildren and was always on the lookout for the next perfect horse.
He valued true friendships, both new and old and as they say "he never met a stranger."
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 54 years, Diann; his sons Shane (Laura), Joel (Kindra) and Dan. His grandchildren Blane, Benton, Raini, Owen, Lindsay and Matt, and great grandson, Jase.
A Celebration of Mike's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 8, 2018 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Tom James officiating. There will not be a public visitation as cremation was chosen. Private family inurnment. Memorials may be given to Fort Bissell Saddle Club of Phillipsburg and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.