Michael Reed

Michael "Mike" Reed, 63, passed away on August 29, 2025, in Lenexa, Kansas. Born on June 24, 1962, in Burlington, Iowa, Mike lived a life defined by curiosity, innovation, and a deep passion for technology and human connection.
From an early age, Mike was captivated by the possibilities of the emerging micro-computer era. What began as a teenage fascination evolved into a remarkable career spanning more than four decades. In his own words, he thrived on "starting with a challenge, opportunity or need and collecting the information needed to define an innovative technical solution with a business model that works." This approach led him to become a highly sought-after figure in the IT industry.
Mike's professional journey was as diverse as it was impactful. He specialized in natural language systems used in advertising and question/answer learning systems, industrial automation and control systems, Emmy-award-winning 3D computer graphics systems, custom database solutions, and scalable computing environments. His work left its mark across industries-from developing software used in the film *Titanic* to contributing to systems for a major farmer's insurance company. A pioneer in his field, Mike worked with Microsoft tools from their earliest versions-often even beta releases-demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancement.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike was known for his vibrant personality and wide-ranging interests. He had an infectious sense of humor and a smile that could light up any room. Though he often preferred the comfort of home over venturing out, he was incredibly social-hosting gatherings and engaging guests with lively conversations that could span hours.
Mike had an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. He loved discussing religion and science-two topics that sparked some of his most passionate debates-and if artificial intelligence came up in conversation, you were guaranteed an engaging discussion that might last well into the night.
His hobbies reflected his eclectic spirit: from video games and HAM radio to drones and model helicopters; from collecting Pokémon cards to writing software just for fun; from kayaking on quiet waters to exploring new ideas through code. Each interest was pursued with enthusiasm and depth.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah Reed; his daughter, Katherine Reed; his brothers Mark Reed, David Reed, and Bob; and his sister Connie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Joseph O'ffill.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on September 12 at Highland Park Funeral Home & Crematory in Kansas City, Kansas.
Mike's legacy lives on not only through the innovations he brought into the world but also through the countless conversations he sparked and the joy he shared so freely. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
The service will be livestreamed on Highland Park Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook Live page. It will begin at approximately 9:50am.