Michael J. Fern, 73, Shawnee, KS passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was the third of eight children and was born on July 10, 1942 in Wichita KS to Joseph and Constance Ryan Fern. He graduated from St. Joseph High School and Rockhurst College and received his advanced degrees at Kansas State University. He began his lifelong career as an educator at St. Joseph Grade School in Shawnee and was the first Counselor at Piper High School and then spent 23 years at St. Pius X High School and then Bishop O’Hara High School in the Kansas City-St Joseph Diocesan Schools. Mike lived his Catholic faith not only in his career but in his daily life with a caring, compassionate and loving nature. He was always a happy soul and his whole life revolved around helping others. His long and dedicated care of his beloved mother, for so many years, was truly the work that few could emulate. In his final days when asked by a stranger what he most needed in his life his response was “to help others”. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and one brother, Johnny and two sisters, Connie Jo and Patsy. He is survived by three brothers, Joe, Jimmy and Kevin and one sister, Mary and 19 nieces and nephews, 33 great nieces and nephews and 6 great-great nieces and nephews.

Services

A Visitation is set for 5~ 7 pm, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Amos Family Funeral Home 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, Kansas 66203 with a Rosary starting at 5:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10:00 am, Thursday, June 2, 2016 at St. Pius X Catholic Church 5500 Woodson Mission, Kansas 66202. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Contributions

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Sanctuary of Hope, 2601 Ridge Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102.