Michael Lee Grinnell

Michael Lee Grinnell of Olathe, Kansas passed away on Wednesday September 17th, 2025. Born on October 6th, 1944 in Superior, Wisconsin to Herman and Helen (Brown) Grinnell. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynda (Kennedy) Grinnell, his son Stephen (Danice) Grinnell, his daughter Heather Hayes, his grandchildren Victoria (Andrew) Zubrod, Tiarnan Hayes, and Cormac Hayes. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends that became family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Robin Goble, and his brother Kim Grinnell.

Mike attended Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas before serving in the United States Navy until 1967. He was a jack of all trades, spending time working as a welder, a laborer, manager of an auto body shop, office manager of a consulting firm and spent the majority of his career as a heavy equipment operator for J.E. Dunn. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 101. He retired from the blue-collar grind in the early 2000s to spend his days with family and hit the open road whenever possible.

Mike became a member of Kansas City Elks Lodge #26 in 1997 and he quickly became a beloved member. He was an active member holding several different officer chairs to include serving as Exalted Ruler from 2005 – 2007, District Deputy for the Metro West District from 2015 – 2016, and treasurer of the lodge from 2013 – 2021. He was honored to be recognized as Officer of the Year in 2008, 2009, and 2011 and State Officer of the Year in 2012. His 30 years as an Elk were spent working to better the lodge and the lives of all members.

Never met a stranger, Mike had the innate ability to make friends wherever he went. He was affectionately known by many as Papa Smurf and always jumped at the chance to help a friend in any way he could. He loved attending family gatherings, Elk’s conventions and traveling wherever the wind took him. He always loved a good road trip and visited as many states and National Parks as he possibly could.

Please join us in celebrating Mike with an Elk’s service on Saturday October 11th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Elks Lodge #26 (515 E 99th St, Kansas City, Missouri) followed by a party in his honor. He will be laid to rest in a private family service at the Leavenworth VA cemetery on Thursday October 16th, 2025 at 2:30 pm.

To share a memory of Mike, or to leave a special message for the family, visit the guestbook below.