Michael Stephen Spence

Michael Spence (70) passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of September 13, 2025. In the days leading up to his death he was surrounded by his loving family who shared stories, played his favorite music and poured love into him.

Mike was born in Kansas City on September 28, 1954. He was third of seven children born to Jack and Kit Spence. Raised in the Crestwood neighborhood, he attended St. Francis Xavier grade school and Rockhurst High School. Tales of his neighborhood mischief with siblings and friends remain legend in Crestwood.

After graduating high school Mike attended Regis University in Denver where he met and married Mary Cosgrove. They lived in Denver for ten years, welcoming their two daughters, Heather and Kristin, before moving back to Kansas City to continue working for the family business, Faultless Laundry Company. In his 50+ year career as a Production Engineer, he was known for his strong work ethic, doing everything from sorting laundry, repairing machinery, managing plant operations, entertaining clients, and innovating new concepts for better operations and systems. He was also a proud member of the Textile Rental Service Association and established himself as a well-respected leader in the industry.

When he wasn’t working, he prided himself as a true outdoorsman. In Colorado, he was an avid hiker, incredible skier, and skilled fisherman. His favorite place in the world was his family’s slice of heaven near Grand Lake, Colorado, where he could name every mountain, animal, plant and stream.

He loved to golf, especially with Mary, and enjoyed visiting golf courses all over the world. When he and Mary bought their condo in Clearwater Beach, Florida, no trip was complete without taking his granddaughters ocean fishing and betting on “first, biggest, most.”

Rarely found without music playing, he was regularly jamming to the likes of Poco, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Pure Prairie League and Jackson Browne.

His greatest loves were his wife, daughters and granddaughters; however, his dogs and Kansas City Chiefs followed closely behind. He had more friends than we could even begin to count.

He is preceded in death by his father Jack Spence, nephews Johnny Spence, Harold McGinnis, and beloved dogs Bear and Otis. He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Mary, loving daughters Heather (Steve) Tremaine, Kristin (Andrew) McLaughlin, precious granddaughters Cameron Soldner, Betsy and Cora McLaughlin; mother Kit Spence, siblings John (Beth) Spence, Bob (Susan) Spence, Martha (Bill) Cason, Susan (Bob) Witcher, Nancy (Hal) McGinnis, and Mark (Susan) Spence and dozens of nieces and nephews. His loyal golden retriever Gibbs will miss him very much too.

An Irish Wake will be held at Kelly’s Westport Inn on Thursday, September 18 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 19, with Visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. and Funeral Mass immediately following at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Food Pantry at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Visitation Shared Vision Campaign and St. Luke’s Hospice House.