Michael Hernandez

Michael Hernandez was a shining star in life. He passed away April 15, 2011. Michael was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 12, 1947 and lived his entire life here. He graduated from Holliday Junior High, Hayden High School, and attended Washburn University. In 1966, Michael began a 45 year career with Hallmark Cards Inc., and a 45 year marriage with the love of his life, Lorie S. Garcia. During that time, he also served his country as a helicopter piston mechanic in the Air Force. His military service ignited his passion for travel to places as far away as Lucerne, Switzerland, Paris, France, and Frankfurt, Germany. Michael had a larger than life personality that he expressed through music and theater. He sang for a number of bands including "Glass Apple," "Anthony and the Royals" and "Celebrate." He also performed in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Captain's Paradise" for the Topeka Civic Theater. Michael expressed his faith through his service to Mater Dei (Holy Name) Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the 4th Degree James W. Gibbons Assembly. He was an avid reader, and loved his Sunday morning ritual of reading the paper, watching CBS Sunday Morning, and making breakfast with his family. Michael will be remembered for his persistence, his strength, and his overwhelming love for his family and his outgoing social personality. Those who know him best say he never met a stranger, and bled Kansas State purple, despite living among die-hard Jayhawks, and his one Duke fan (his son). Michael's overwhelmingly positive spirit will continue to shine over his wife Lorie; his daughter, Jade Hernandez (husband Scott Warren); his son, Michael J. Hernandez II (wife, Michaela); his mother, Christina Hernandez; and father, Paul Hernandez; his sisters, Nina Hernandez, Susanna Hernandez and Debbie Gutierrez Hunter. He was preceded in death by his brother Vincent Gutierrez. A parish rosary will be prayed at 3 p.m. and visitation will follow until 5 pm on this Palm Sunday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at Mater Dei Holy Name Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society Inc. and Cat Association of Topeka in Michael's name, sent in care of the funeral home.

Michael Hernandez

December 12, 1947 - April 17, 2011