Michael K. Ireland

With profound love for Mike and gratitude that his suffering has ended, we share that Michael K. Ireland died on Friday, January 31, 2025, finding peace in his journey home. Mike was born on October 26, 1944, to Charles and Marianna (Stitt) Ireland and grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, as the eldest of four siblings—Michael, Suzan, Marcus, and Patric. He graduated from Wyandotte High School before earning a degree in Music Education from Kansas State University. He began his teaching career in Hickman Mills, Missouri, and later earned a master’s in Music Education from the Conservatory of Music at UMKC.

Mike married Patricia Beattie in June 1965, and together they raised two sons, spending countless hours on the sidelines of soccer fields and attending school performances and shows. Their love of travel took them across Western Europe, beginning with a VW camper van adventure through Germany. They later explored England and Ireland, and after becoming empty nesters, they continued their travels, especially enjoying Berlin, Prague, Warsaw, Athens and many parts of the United States.

Mike was a passionate musician who found joy in sharing his gifts both professionally and as a volunteer. An accomplished violinist, he took up the viola in mid-life and remained deeply dedicated to music in all its forms. He served as a church musician and soloist, both instrumentally and vocally, and directed church choirs throughout his life, continuing to sing in the choir at Emporia Presbyterian Church until mid-2024.

His love of teaching spanned all ages, from preschool through high school in both public and private schools, as well as private students ranging from 3 to 72 years old. As a performer, he played professionally in Kansas City and San Francisco, sharing the stage with notable figures such as Richard Harris in Camelot, comedian Jack Benny, and actor Paul Newman.

He served as the volunteer music director at the Presbyterian Church in Cottonwood Falls and conducted the Community Easter Cantata for several seasons. While living in Chase County, he became an accomplished fiddler, performing with the Matfield Green Radio Show and for contra dances throughout the area. Never one to stop learning, he took up the trumpet after retirement and played for several seasons with the Emporia Community Band.

Mike was preceded in death by both parents and his brother Marcus. He is survived by his wife Patricia, two sons Kevin and his spouse, Rachel of Austin, Texas and Korey and his spouse Valeria, of Berlin, Germany. Two siblings, Suzan Ireland, of Portland, Oregon and Patric Ireland of Mission, Kansas; and four grandchildren, Rowan, Kiran, Teo, and Zoey.

Mike was a gentle soul, loving husband and father and faithful friend. He had a deep faith, and we rejoice in his resurrection even as we mourn our loss. A service celebrating Mike’s life and witnessing to the resurrection will be held at Emporia Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12.