25 February 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Many people remember the life of beloved Wichita Heights Athletic Director Michael Church. Church passed away last night, after battling with a brain tumor more than once over the past two years. His wife, Laura Church, said he fought courageously, making the most out of each new day, knowing tomorrow was never promised.
“He was just one of a kind, super special, and I think it’s evident by the number of people that care about him,” said Laura Church.
Laura Church and their son Kendric, accepted an award on Michael’s behalf, at the state wrestling championships, today, in Park City. The event is something the Church helped manage for years. Laura Church said, even through her late husband’s battle with cancer, Michael remained outgoing.
“Michael was a ball of fire, anywhere he went, people were drawn to him, because of his zest for life, for his love for others,” said Laura Church.
Eric Filippi is the principal at Wichita Heights High School. He said there was a void without the Church there, adding, his friend was inspiring.
“Every day mattered, every moment, every encounter, with any person he came across, all those opportunities that he had to make an impact, he would,” said Filippi.
Garrett Haskins was coached by Church in high school. He is now an assistant wrestling coach at Wichita Heights. He credits Church with his success on and off the mat.
“He was the first person that told me it was time to come home, and he was a huge reason why I came back to the Heights. He’s a big reason why I’m going to stay as well,” said Haskins.
Laura Church shared that Michael was big in faith and that she knew his spirit would live on.
“I know he’s up there paving the way for us. I told him to check it all out, get all the good stuff, so when I join him, we can enjoy the good again,” said Church.
Laura Church said, that her social media have been flooded with stories and memories of her late husband and that it has been comforting to hear he touched so many lives.