Michael Richard Mayerske, 80, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
He was born Sept. 24, 1942, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Anthony and Catherine (Sirilla) Mayerske.
His passion for athletics began at a very young age. Mike "Mick" grew up in Fairbank, Pennsylvania, approximately one hour from Pittsburgh. He received a college scholarship to Coffeyville Junior College for track and football. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kaylene G. Banzet Mayerske, and they married in Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville, Kansas, on Aug. 10, 1963. They each finished their bachelor of science and master of science degrees at Pittsburg State Teachers College, which later became Pittsburg State University.
He began coaching football and track at St. Joseph's High School in close proximity to Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana. He next coached football at Marian High School in South Bend. He would later head coach football at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana. To be closer to family, Mike and his family relocated to Columbus, Kansas, in 1977, where he accepted a position as head football coach and teacher. He later went on to coach Semi-Professional football in Commerce, Oklahoma, for two seasons. He then accepted an offensive coordinator position at Pittsburg State University for one season. He became the interim head coach of Pitt State his second season. Mike remained at Pitt State for a third season as an assistant and recruiter. He elected to retire from coaching and then opened his own used car sales business.
Survivors include Mike's wife, Kaylene; children, Mark (Joy) Mayerske, Matthew (Jackie) Mayerske, and Michelle (Jimmy) Saporito; grandchildren, Mick Mayerske, Madeline Mayerske, Molly Saporito, and Nate Saporito; and sister Paulette (Robert) Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Ivan Rohlf, and brother, Anthony Mayerske.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, in Church of the Ascension Catholic Church in Overland Park, Kansas, with Father Viet.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Frontenac, Kansas, with a private family burial in North Edna Cemetery.
