Michael Oldfather

1940 - 2025

Michael Oldfather, a longtime resident of Manhattan, Kansas, died from a stroke on December 6, 2025 in Bethlehem, PA. He was 85 years old.

Michael was born in Lincoln, NE, February 12, 1940, to Wilbur and Alta Oldfather. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen J. Oldfather, of Nazareth, PA as well as three children: Alice Oldfather (Mark Gregory), of Albany, NY; Paul Oldfather, of Norman, OK; Thomas Oldfather (Sarah Appelhans), of Easton, PA; two grandchildren, Graham and Tova Gordon; a sister, Anne Pease (Gary), Hutchinson, KS; numerous nieces and nephews; former son-in-law Jeffrey Gordon of Albany, NY, and first wife, Penny Oldfather, of Athens, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Jane Lewis, Kay Logan, and Roger Oldfather.

Michael joined the Economics Department at Kansas State University in 1983, where he taught until his retirement in 2006.

A proud graduate of Beatrice High School Class of 1958, he was active in a variety of musical groups and played on the varsity basketball team. Among his many after-school and summer jobs, he especially cherished his time working as a carhop at a local root beer stand and helping with the family business, Oldfather's OK Tire Co.

Michael earned a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, a master's degree from the University of Nebraska, and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. Prior to his tenure at KSU, he taught at Kansas Wesleyan University, Augustana College and Drury College. He was an organizing partner of Manhattan's Community First National Bank and served on its board for more than 20 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late spring in Manhattan. Contributions in Michael's memory can be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Rd. Manhattan, KS 66502 or uufm.net or the GMCF Guardians Fund, PO Box 1127 Manhattan KS 66505or foundation@mcfks.org/donate/guardians-fund.