Mike Ketchens, beloved husband, devoted father, and faithful pastor, took his last breath on Earth and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 23, 2026, at age 65 --- just three weeks before his son's high school graduation. He passed away on a rural Clay County road, not far from the two United Methodist Churches he faithfully served. Born on February 23, 1961, Mike lived a life marked by deep love for his family, his community, and his God. His passing leaves a profound silence in the hearts of all who knew him, even as his faith assures those who grieve that this is not “goodbye,” but simply “until we meet again.”

Mike was, above all else, a family man. His wife was his partner, his confidante, and the love of his life — a bond built over decades of shared laughter, quiet mornings, and unwavering commitment. To his children, he was a constant presence, a faithful guide, and a father whose hugs could make any trouble feel smaller. To his five dogs and two cats, he had over the years, there couldn’t be a better companion. His family always knew he could bring laughter, love, and joy to any occasion.

As a pastor, Mike poured himself into the lives of others without reservation. He had a rare gift for meeting people exactly where they were — in their joy, in their grief, in their doubt, and in their faith. Week after week, he opened the Word with conviction and warmth, and he loved to hear how God was working in people’s lives. He baptized people of all ages, comforted the dying, married the hopeful, and buried the beloved — walking alongside people through every season of life.

Those who knew Mike will remember his unending kindness, his sense of humor, his willingness to drop everything and pray for you right then and there, his love for the mountains and the ocean, his beloved Harley Davidson, and his wonderful singing voice. One of his favorite Bible verses was Acts 16:25, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

Mike’s surviving family includes Denise, his loving wife of 33 years, his children Naomi Ketchens (Portland, Oregon), Rebekah and Jacob Dumler (Russell, Kansas), and Josh Ketchens (Russell, Kansas). He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Audrey Ketchens.

He will be sorely missed by his three sisters and their husbands: Kathleen and Robert Patrick, Sharon and Dick Larson, and Lily and Russ Knutson. He was the best Uncle to all his nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. His laugh was contagious to all of them.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Longford United Methodist Church, 203 Durham St, Longford, Kansas, on May 18, 2026, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michael Ketchens Memorial Fund and condolences may be sent to the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas, who is in charge of the arrangements.