Marion Julian Mikinski died at the age of 90 on January 26, 2022, at his home in Linwood, Kansas. Marion was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on August 9, 1931, to Polish immigrants Stefan Mikinski (died Sept., 4, 1961) and Antonina Mikinski (née Chrzanowski, died Jan. 11, 1976). Marion grew up on Polish Hill in Kansas City, Kansas. In Kansas City, he was a member of St. Joseph’s and, later, St. Patrick’s parishes. In his later years he was a member of Holy Angels parish in Basehor, Kansas.
Marion attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and Central Junior High School. In 1949, he graduated from Wyandotte High School. Marion attended Kansas City Kansas Community College, graduating in 1951. In 1958, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Kansas, as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas City. Marion was admitted to the Kansas Bar in 1959.
Marion practiced law in Kansas City, Kansas, for several years. After leaving the legal profession, he worked as a Santa Fe railroad locomotive engineer for 38 years. He retired in 1994. In the 1960s, Marion led an unsuccessful campaign for the office of public administrator. Additionally, he served as a workman’s compensation examiner in 1961.
After retirement, Marion moved to rural Linwood, Kansas, where he raised fruit trees and enjoyed gardening.
Marion married Aurellia Faye Grose on June 5, 1957. They have three children, Steven Mikinski (Tamara), Dr. Mark Mikinski (Jeanette) and Lisa Knabe (Steven). Marion and Faye have seven grandchildren: Madeleine Mikinski, Mitchell Mikinski, Brian Mikinski (Leslie), Maureen Francois (Phil), Captain Bradley Mikinski (Captain Gabrielle Briggs), Matthew Knabe (Samantha) and Anne Marie Knabe. Additionally, they have four great-grandchildren: Grace Francois, Lucy Francois, Emma Rose Francois and Charlotte Mikinski.
Marion was predeceased by his four siblings, Sophia Hiebl, Josephine Ominski, Stephanie Beggs and Edward Mikinski.
On Feb. 2 at 9:00 a.m., a visitation will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, Kansas, followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Holy Angels Food Kitchen Fund, 15438 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor, KS 66007, and Sister Servants of Mary, 800 N 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhill-butler.com for the Mikinski family.