J. Michael Gurnee

1947 - 2023

J. Michael Gurnee
December 2, 1947 - August 30, 2023
Dodge City, Kansas - J. Michael " Mike" Gurnee, 75, died Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at his home.
He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, the son of Keene and Martha (Staples) Gurnee. Raised by his beloved mother, better known as Marty, she instilled in him a passion for life-long learning, open-mindedness, curiosity, and cultivated a razor-sharp wit.
On September 12, 1970, he married Mary Anne Halpin at Sacred Heart Church in Bellevue, KY, who he met while attending the University of Kentucky. Mike received a Bachelor's Degree from UK and a Master's Degree in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. His education allowed him the opportunity to shape and manage communities as diverse as Macon, GA, Rockingham, NC, Ashland, KY, and Dodge City, KS. He had a calling for working in small town communities that he felt were often neglected by many others in his profession.
His proudest professional accomplishment came in his last position in Greensburg, KS. After the town was devastated by the 2007 tornado, he served as a consultant in the redesigning and rebuilding efforts. Amongst other accolades, he was recognized for these achievements by the American Planning Association (APA) with the 2009 Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Planner. The APA noted his track record of assisting other small town planners, serving as a mentor, and for helping the City of Greensburg, KS, through its disaster recovery phase and transition into the rebuilding phase as a sustainable community.
Though he may have left Kentucky, Kentucky never left him. Mike was proud to hail from the Commonwealth, and of his family's long history which was intertwined with the state. Despite hailing from prestigious KY families, he never forgot his mother's advice to blaze his own path and not subsist on the successes of his forebears.
Mike lived a life full of hobbies and personal interests and was active in various communities. He was a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the APA, and the Kentucky Historical Society. He loved photography, was a stamp collector, and an avid genealogist. Despite not living in Kentucky, he remained a life-long fan of UK athletics.
His family life was particularly important, thanks in part to the example his in-laws set. The Halpin clan was a significant influence and taught him the importance and value of being an involved family member. When his children were young, he always made time to be involved in his sons' lives, participating in activities ranging from Scouting to academic competitions, and, despite his athletic limitations, coaching sports. He exerted the most influence, however, by passing on his mother's love of knowledge and the pursuit of truth.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Anne, two sons, Christopher and daughter-in-law Sarah who reside in Chicago, IL, and Jeff and daughter-in-law Sarah who reside in Lexington, KY, and his recently-adopted rescue puppy who remained steadfast at his side up until the end.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his in-laws Thomas and Mary Lou Halpin, and seven beloved dogs.
There will be no public visitation. His final resting place will be at the family cemetery located between the barn and Old Keen(e) Place adjacent to Keeneland Race Track.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Ford County Humane Society, High Plains Public Radio, or the Kentucky Historical Society all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801. Condolences may be sent to www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com.