Roger Lee Michaelis, 82, died May 5, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kan. He was born March 18, 1943, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Leo and Alma (Waymaster) Michaelis. Roger was raised on the farm in Russell County and attended school at Sellens Creek until the 8th Grade. He then went to Hoisington Rural High School, graduating in 1961. After high school he entered the Army completing basics at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then serving active duty in Korea.
After his honorable discharge he returned to farming on the family farm for a few years. He worked for a while as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Emporia where he met Connie Judd, they married and were blessed with two children, Kimberly and Kevin. While in Emporia he completed his education and worked in Emporia teaching for his first year. Roger then moved to La Crosse where he served as the K-8 principal from 1976 to 1985. He then returned to Hoisington, finishing his career as the Roosevelt Elementary Principal, retiring in 2000. In the summers, Roger enjoyed working as a crop adjuster where he was able to meet farmers all over the state of Kansas.
Roger was a member of New Life Baptist Church of Hoisington, the Masonic Lodge #177 of Russell, the Russell County Shrine Club, Lake Barton Golf Course, American Legion Post #286 of Hoisington, and was past commander of the V.F.W #6240 of Russell.
On April 4, 2004, he married Reatha Bates. She survives. After retirement Roger enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and having coffee with friends but he most especially enjoyed following his grandchildren in all their activities.
He is survived by his wife Reatha Michaelis of the home; daughter, Kimberly Specht and fiancée Jason Heis of Salina; son, Kevin Michaelis and companion, Jennfer Rouan of Russell; stepsons, Lee Bates and wife Gina of Pratt, Noel Bates and wife Audrey of Ellis, and Ryan Bates and wife Jenny of Hays; two brothers, Gerald Michaelis of Galatia, and Gene Michaelis of Olathe; 11 grandchildren, Austin Michaelis, Tyler Specht, Madison Dean and husband Hunter, Jarrett Bates, Owen Bates, Jacob Specht, Mackenzie Bates, Marleigh Bates, Brooklyn Michaelis, Reagan Bates, and Joslyn Bates; and two great grandchildren, Waylen Jacob Dean and Baby Dean coming in October. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; Marlin Michaelis; brother, Larry Michaelis; and a sister, Shirley Brown.
Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home, with a Prayer service to begin at 7 p.m. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, with Cecil Dale presiding. Memorials may be made to Kans for Kids or the Russell County Shrine Club in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, Kansas 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home
P.O. Box 146
Hoisington, Kansas 67544
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 8, 2025
