Michael H. Cochran

Michael “Mike” H. Cochran, age 70, of Topeka, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in Topeka.

Mike was born the son of James Howard and Evelyn Margaret (Reh) Cochran on November 2, 1954, in Ottawa, KS. Mike graduated from Holcomb High School. He then attended and graduated from Garden City Community College and furthered his education at Kansas University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Geology.

On November 12, 1983, Mike married Susan Kay Engelken at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Together, they celebrated 41 years of marriage.

Mike worked for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, retiring in 2019. He was also a professional geologist. Beside his love for rocks, he loved to garden, and he worked for the St. Matthew Garden Club, and the mowing club. He was proud he had planted 700 tulips for next spring. Mike was proud and dedicated with helping the St. John’s Cemetery in Homewood, KS. He loved to travel, especially to the mountains.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard & Evelyn Cochran; and in-laws, Quentin & Arlene Engelken.

Survivors include his wife, Susan, and their Wooly Cat; his brothers, Pat of Topeka, Tim of Auburn, Greg of Tecumseh, Bill of Topeka; and his sisters, Virginia of Topeka, and Elaine of Harveyville.

Mike will lie in state from 4-6:00 P.M., followed by a parish rosary at 6:00 P.M., on Friday, December 6, 2024, at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the church. A graveside service will take place at 1:30 P.M., on Saturday, at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in Mike's memory to St. John's Cemetery (located in Franklin County, Kansas). Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.