Mike Hill

Michael “Mike” Andrew Hill, the oldest of 3, born to Joseph and Donna on July 1, 1959, in San Jose, California after courageously fighting several health battles, passed away September 10, 2026 at the age of 67 in Prairie Village, Kansas.

As a young child, he and his younger brother and sister lived in San Jose, California surrounded by a large Italian family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then the family of 5 moved to Newman California and attended Orestimba High School where he excelled at football and baseball.

After high school, Mike continued his education and passion for football at Sacramento State. He later followed his brother to Atchison, Kansas to play football for Benedictine College. At Benedictine, Mike met and built relationships with the people who would become more like family in the 40+ years after graduation.

It was at Benedictine that Mike met the love of his life and his best friend, Joan Sullivan. They married on January 5, 1985 and settled in Prairie Village Kansas where Mike began a 35-year career in the lumber business with Payless Cashways and then Owen Lumber Company. In the coming years they first welcomed their daughter Becky, followed by their son Matt. They joined the St. Ann’s Catholic Church family and later sent their children to St. Ann’s School. There, Mike found his passion for coaching. He coached countless CYO football teams throughout the years and had the pleasure of having the opportunity to coach his son in football and baseball and his daughter in softball.

During his first year at Benedictine, Mike received what seemed like a small invite to spend Thanksgiving hunting with new friends in Dodge City, which expanded into a multi-generational annual trip that has spanned more than 40 years. It was one of Mike's greatest joys when his son Matt was old enough to experience that trip with him. Together, they developed a love for hunting, a love for the family they built, and a love for spending quiet days in the field together.

Mike and his daughter shared an interest in photography. Together they would drive around the city and rural areas surrounding Kansas City photographing interesting murals, architecture, bridges and beautiful landscapes.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph L. Hill and Donna L. Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Hill of Prairie Village, KS, his daughter Becky Hill of Spring Hill, KS, his son Matt Hill of Overland Park, KS, his brother David Hill (Kim Hill) of Manhattan, KS, his sister Denise Orozco (Mark Orozco) of Gustine, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

Services will be held September 22, 2026 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Prairie Village, KS with the visitation beginning at 10:00am followed by the Rosary, and funeral Mass beginning at 11:00am. Burial will be at 2:00pm at Queen of the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Wea, KS.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Benedictine College Football program and the Benedictine Angel’s Fund. All donations will go to the Angel’s Fund unless otherwise indicated. Family-directed memorials may be sent to Benedictine College, Attn: James Kew, Office of Advancement, 1020 North Second Street, Atchison, KS 66002 or www.benedictine.edu/give.