Michael LaVerne Ganoe Sr., a resident of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on January 31st, 1954, in Coggan, Iowa, to Doris and LaVerne Ganoe, Michael grew up on a farm in Central City, Iowa. He graduated from Central City High School in 1972 and attended the Business Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Michael began his career at Life Investors in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after completing IT school. His professional journey took him to various companies, including Farm Bureau in Des Moines, Iowa, AID Insurance in Des Moines, Iowa, E R Carpenter in Richmond, Virginia, ITT in Marshalltown, Iowa, the City of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska, Boeing in Derby, Kansas, DST, and Gentiva in Kansas City. He concluded his career at Sutherlands Lumber Company, retiring in December 2025.
Michael met his beloved wife, Mary, through a mutual friend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and married on September 28th, 1974, in Linn Grove, Iowa. Together, they raised three children: Melissa, Michael Jr., and Matthew. Michael enjoyed coaching Matthew in football. It may possibly have been to have an excuse to yell at Matthew. He also enjoyed watching Mikey play football, celebrating three high school state football championships. He took pride in helping his daughter raise and train her two boxers in 4H. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, as he watched his granddaughter Gabi in her dance competitions, his grandson Colton play soccer and football, and his granddaughter Kennedy cheerleading. Keep an ear out for Brecklynn, we are sure she will have to tell you something on Saturday mornings. Please keep watch over Theo this Spring during his big surgery.
A lover of dogs, Michael raised Chows and Mastiffs, timing their litters to be born in the summer for his daughter to oversee. His hobbies included putting in a Koi fish pond. He also had a child-like love for model trains. When we say he had trains, we mean he had TRAINS. Transforming the basement into a “train room”. He also had the desire to have the wind in his perfectly quaffed hair. Buying a Harley Davidson Ultra Classic in 2004.
Michael was deeply involved in his community, serving as the president of the congregation at Faith Lutheran Church in Derby, Kansas, an usher at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kansas, and the president of the Olathe North Quarterback Club.
Known for his hard working and wise nature, Michael was a man who said what he meant and meant what he said. He believed doing all the projects around the house himself, with the help of his two sons. After all, why did he have two sons to help.
The family extends their gratitude to everyone for their kind words and expressions of sympathy. Special thanks go to the Hospice House of Olathe, Kansas, for their support and care during Michael’s passing.
Preceded in death by his parents and brother Chuck Ganoe. Michael is survived by his sister, Jacki Beatty, brother Bill Ganoe, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and a great nephew.
He is survived by his wife Mary of 51 years, his daughter Melissa. His son Mikey and his wife Ashley and their two kids Brecklynn and Theo. His son Matthew and his wife Natalie and their three kids Gabi, Colton and Kennedy.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
In the words of his family: “Dad we have it from here. You and mom have given us the tools and knowledge to pave our own highway. Your grandkids love and miss you. Please go find family and all our dogs in heaven. Don’t forget to play fetch with Maximus and BoBo. Remember Mabel will need daily butt scratches”.
Memorial Service will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, January 10, 2026 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. Visitation prior to the service will be from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
