Michael Ray Harsch

Michael Ray "Mike" Harsch, 54, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born March 24, 1970, in Dallas, Texas, to Nancy (Eisermann) Harsch. Michael grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1988. He went on to earn an associate’s degree from Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas.

Mike worked as a traveling registered nurse, an ER nurse, and then as an acute dialysis nurse at Davita.

He was very kind, charismatic, and fun to be around. Mike enjoyed carpentry, photography, playing golf, and all things KU. He could often be found in his garage working on carpentry projects, listening to 80s hair bands, or watching his favorite TV shows.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Traci Dawn Kempker, January 21, 1989, in Leavenworth, Kansas. They have been together since they were 16 years old and married for 36 years. Traci survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children, Joshua Harsch of Topeka, Tyler Harsch of Topeka, and Allie Harsch of Topeka; his mother, Nancy Harsch of Leavenworth, siblings, Chris

Harsch (Jennifer) of Kansas City, Christina Harsch of Leavenworth, Krystle Harsch (Yuta) of Funabashi, Japan; and in-laws John and Donna Kempker of Leavenworth.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randall Harsch.

Mike will lie in state on Friday, March 28, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be 10:00am, Saturday, March 29, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603, to help with Michael’s final expenses.