John Michael "Mike" Stranghoner

John Michael “Mike” Stranghoner, November 18, 1956 – December 22, 2020.

John Michael “Mike” Stranghoner left his earthly home to be reunited with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, parents and older brother Jimmy on Monday, December 22, 2020.

Mike was the sixth son born to Hadley T. Stranghoner, Sr., and Myrnice E. Wells Stranghoner on November 18, 1956. He joined his oldest brother, Hadley, Jr., Tom, Ronnie, Terry, and Jimmy at a farm west of Iola where he grew up working alongside his brothers. They were later joined by a sister, Marla Sue Stranghoner Leigh.

As a family, they worked farm ground, milked dairy cows, rode horses, raised pigs and spent the summers working for Cantrell and Sons custom hay hauling in the Yates Center, Kansas area. Mike attended West Neosho School, a one room school house west of Iola. When the school closed he began attending Jefferson Elementary, Iola Jr. High School and graduating Iola Sr. High School in 1974.

Mike grew up with many of his nieces and nephews. Brian Craig Stranghoner, Jana (Stranghoner) Ghitis and sister, Marla, spent a lot of time climbing in hay barns, playing impromptu football games with Jerry and Gary Turner and sister Marla. Brian C., Jana, Marla and Mike rode horses, and pretended to be rock stars using a hay trailer as a stage. Numerous farm adventures kept him busy throughout his youth, as well as hard work helping with farming duties. Mike was also a member of Dusk Patrol 4H Club and Salem United Methodist Church.

Mike enlisted in the U. S. Navy following his graduation from high school. He had some intriguing stories to tell of his time aboard the aircraft carrier while at sea. After returning to Kansas, he was employed by Alco Drilling on Rig 6. He enjoyed working with his crew very much and considered these men to be a part of some of the best times of his life. When Mike made a friend, they were lifelong friendships. He was extremely generous and always kind. His friends and acquaintances were never heard saying an unkind word about Mike. He was liked by everyone. Mike was a leader and supported many in their daily lives. He will be greatly missed by many.

He had a widely varied group of friends who loved him very much. Mike was an extremely hard worker who took pride in all areas of work he tackled. He was generous and kind. He was currently employed by Gates Rubber in Iola from August of 1998 until his death. He was dedicated to his employment no matter where he worked.

Mike enjoyed all sports. He was fortunate enough to play football under his favorite coach, Tom Stranghoner, his brother. Mike was an avid sports fan, often getting up at two a.m. to watch Sports Center. Mike knew every player on every team and enjoyed watching various sports but especially football. He also enjoyed vintage cars, car racing and an occasional fishing trip. He could often be heard listening to old rock music.

Mike was also an avid weather devotee following in his father and brothers’ footsteps. Mike’s favorite color was green. He said that green meant that things were growing and to a farmer, green means life.

Mike also worked and lived in San Diego, California and Sequim, Washington for a short amount of time. Shortly following his father’s death, Mike returned to Kansas to engage in farming with his brother Tom.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Hadley T. Stranghoner, Sr. and Myrnice Stranghoner; brother, James Lynn Stranghoner; grandparents, aunts and uncles, and friends.

Mike survived by his brothers Hadley, Jr. and Deanna of The Villages, Florida, Tom and Doris of rural Iola, Ronnie and Rosie of Carlyle, Terry of Coffeyville, and sister, Marla Leigh of rural Iola. He is survived by a host of nephews and nieces, Brian Craig Stranghoner and Maggie, Jana Ghitis, of Wichita, Todd Stranghoner and Liz of Wichita, Eric Stranghoner and Rene of Dallas. Brian Scott Stranghoner of Phoenix, Arizona, John Hadley Stranghoner of Iola, Cherri Bauer and Jeff of Gas, Denese Dean and husband Jonathan of Iola, Sara Beth Love of Topeka, Orion Leigh and Kelly of Iola, and Cheyenne (Leigh) Cash and Patrick of Colony, He is survived by a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins as well as great, great nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and visitation will be announced at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Salem United Methodist Church, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .