Name: Visitation for Michael James Stapp
Start: 2024-01-23T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-23T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Inc.

Michael James Stapp

February 10, 1957 - January 15, 2024

Shawnee, Kansas - Michael James Stapp passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2024, just shy of the age of 67.

Visitation will be 10 am to Noon, with the Funeral Service beginning at Noon, both on Tuesday January 23rd at the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Mike was born on February 10, 1957, in Tulsa to William K. and Lorie Stapp. The family soon moved to Kansas City where he was raised.

Mike graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1975. He was a tenacious wrestler and reveled in battling his opponents in debate-foreshadowing his future career as an attorney. Mike also had some of the best hair to grace the bridge at SMW.

Mike attended the University of Kansas where he received his Bachelors and Master's degrees in Business, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree.

In law school, Mike developed a passion for labor law which led to a 40-year career at Blake & Uhlig, working tirelessly for the rights and dignities of union workers and their families-both nationally and internationally. He was proud to represent the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) as General Counsel and sitting on the board of directors for the Bank of Labor.

Mike's greatest passion was his family. Mike and Kathy Jo Roberts met through mutual friends in 1994. They quickly fell in love and married in 1997, and were soon blessed with Ava, Sam and Bob. Kathy Jo was the love of Mike's life and he felt lucky to have her as his wife and forever companion. They traveled together often for business (Kathy Jo is the International Secretary/Treasurer at the IBB), often taking the children as well.

Mike and Kathy Jo actively encouraged Sam, Ava and Bob's many sporting and scholastic activities and helped guide them as they blossomed into kind, thoughtful adults. He was visibly excited that the kids followed in his footsteps by attending KU and rooting for the Jayhawks. He cherished their weekend visits and "subtly" rolled his eyes at the many shenanigans they perpetrated.

As an adult, Mike continued his childhood love of the outdoors. He fished in Canada with colleagues, puttered around the woods at the family farm and enjoyed target shooting. Mike also spent many hours tailgating enthusiastically at KU football games with his family and friends.

Throughout his life, Mike was an avid and varied reader enjoying Beat Generation prosity, French Realist literature, Roman Empire histories, and satirical detective novels. He could carry on a conversation about almost any topic, and never shied away from sharing his opinion!

Mike was preceded in death by his father, William K. Stapp, and in-laws Ed and Lois Roberts.

Mike leaves behind his wife Kathy and their three children, Ava of Dallas, Sam of Los Angeles, and Joshua Robert (AKA Bob) of Lawrence, KS; mother Lorie; sister Cynthia (Bruce); brother Bill (Sarah); brother-in-law Keith Roberts (Karen); sister-in-law Sheryl Chadwick (Chad); all of the Kansas City area, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Children's Mercy Hospital in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stapp

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

7 Entries

Janey Zemaitis

January 25, 2024

I met Mike at KU through my boyfriend , Scott. The three of us had such fun playing games and hanging with all of his SMW friends , (l had gone to SMS.) Mike was a smart and determined person , l am in disbelief that he´s gone. Such a bright guy. You will be missed , my sympathy to his wife and family. One of the best guys ever. We all love you , Michael....Janey(Fisher) Zemaitis

Jeff Edgington

January 24, 2024

I first met Mike in 1972 when we were both incoming Sophomores at SM West. We quickly became great friends and remained that way for years afterwards. Mike was adventurous and funny while also being thoughtful and introspective. He was the type of guy that would do absolutely anything for you if you were his friend. He once gave me the keys to his white Mustang when a mutual friend needed my help at a party and in those days Mike didn't want anyone driving his car but him. But when I told him I needed the keys to his car, he never hesitated. He was my friend at a time in our lives when we thought no one was more important to us than our friends and because of that shared past, no amount of time could ever devalue what that friendship means to me. We drifted apart during college when Mike became hyper focused on his studies. Mike was rewarded by his hard work and diligence as he obviously found great success in his chosen profession and in providing for his family. That doesn't surprise me in the least. I regret that we never crossed paths again and I hated learning of his passing. I can't help but feel that we lost him way too soon and that makes me sad. My deepest and most sincere condolences to Mike's family for the loss of their husband, father, son and brother.

Diane James

Planted Trees

Tony & Barb Jacobs

January 20, 2024

Barb and I send our sincere, deepest condolences to you and your family, Kathy. May he Rest in Peace.

Scott Larson

January 19, 2024

From SM West to KU, Mike and I were great friends and roommates. We drifted apart, but whenever Vikings would gather he was always remembered as a great guy and better friend. Mike, you will be missed.

Curt Smith

January 18, 2024

Though measured in his delivery, Mike was never shy about calling it like he saw it and rarely minced words. I appreciated his straight-forward approach and wry sense of humor. He was always kind to me and took time to greet me whenever we crossed paths. He will be missed. I pray that God's peace will be upon his family and that He will strengthen them during this time.

Bill and Carol Almond

January 17, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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