April 23, 1975 - June 08, 2023
Michael Dean ‘Mike’ Donnelly, 48, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Midland Hospice House, after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by family. Mike was born April 23, 1975, in Topeka. He graduated from Topeka West High in 1994, where he played football and made many lifelong friends. Mike worked with LKQ Mid-America for the last 11 ½ years, where he held multiple positions. Most recently working as a warranty supervisor. He also moonlighted as a spirits salesman at Vern’s Retail Liquor for the last two years.
On June 25, 2005, Mike married the love of his life, Ashley Dawn Rhone, at Most Pure Heart of Mary, who he lovingly referred to as his ‘Sugar Momma’.
In his spare time, Mike enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and being with his family and friends. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved University of Kansas athletics and the Kan-sah Ciiiiiity Chiefs. He had a heart of gold and was always the life of the party. He came equipped to said parties with a 30 pack of “dad jokes” and beers. He was always quick to help a friend in need. His infectious smile and big laugh will live on, through those that know and love him.
His grandfather instilled a love for all sports, especially football. Mike coached football and baseball for many years with the Topeka Saints organization. He was proud that some of his former players went on to play Division 1 football. It was important to Mike to pass on the love of sports, which he demonstrated in coaching his sons and nephew, Dallas.
Mike is survived by his wife, Ashley; and their children, Ethan ‘Big’, Dylan ‘Middle’ and Braxton ‘Little’; parents John and Linda Donnelly; siblings Angela (‘Big’ Shaun) Smith and ‘Little’ Sean Donnelly; mother and father-in-law Gina and Doug Rhone; grandmother-in-law Beverly Ketter; sister in-law Jessica (Matt) deMontel; brother-in-law Andrew (Kayla) Rhone; nieces Michele (Michael) Houghton and Keeli Rhone; nephews Dallas Smith, Tucker Rhone, Xavier and Ben deMontel; great niece Laken Houghton; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and framily. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kylee Jo Donnelly, and grandparents John ‘Jack’ & Arel ‘Irene’ Donnelly; Dallas & Norma Power and Larry Ketter.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, June 24, from 5pm to 10pm, at the Auburn Civic Center, 1020 N Washington Street, Auburn, KS 66402. Please wear either KU, Chiefs, or his favorite color orange.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the Mike Donnelly Children’s Memorial Fund and sent to Blue Cross Blue Shield Credit Union 1010 SW Tyler, Topeka, KS 66612.
