Gale W. Bogard, better known as “Mike” was born on July 15, 1940 in Lovington, New Mexico. He passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 3, 2022.
Growing up and attending school in Augusta, Kansas, he excelled in football, basketball and track. Mike received a full football scholarship from the University of Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Education degree. He attended Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas earning a Master’s and a Specialist Degree of Education while coaching all sports with Ron Slaymaker. Returning to the University of Kansas, Mike earned a Doctorate of Education. Mike was an Athletic Director and Chairman of the Physical Education Department at Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Missouri. At Park College in Parkville, Missouri, he was a Dean of Students.
Mike was a member of the Lawrence Board of Real Estate from 1978 thru 2010. During his sales career at Stephen’s Real Estate he often led citywide sales. Concurrently, Mike with his wife Jill, built and managed Bogard Rentals.
He is survived by Jill, his wife of 29 years, his daughter Cindi Bogard Long (Dennis) Lawrence, son, Jason Bogard (Demond) Venice, CA., stepchildren Beau (Christine), Jasmin Meisinger (Christopher) Chicago, IL., grandchildren Nicholas and Carter Long, Lawrence, Scarlett and Finley Meisinger, Chicago, and Zoe Keating, Gig Harbor, WA. He is preceded in death by his parents Gale E. and Dorotha Bogard and a stepson, Trevor Messenger.
There is only one Happiness – to Love and to be Loved. Please pay a kindness forward.
A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10 am.
Dearest Jill, I just read that my buddy Mike passed recently and I am so sorry we didn’t know before his celebration a in our back yard as we live on the other side of the creek behind Anterra Event Gallery. we shared a couple of things in common as I was born in July of 1940 and Karen Sue was born July 15th. Mike and Karen always tried to beat each other at saying happy birthday first at the office. He always had something nice to say when we ran into each other. He was a long time insured and a great friend for many years from the time he moved to Lawrence. I am truly heartbroken to find out that he has left us. I hope you and the rest of the family are doing okay. I lost my oldest son last August at 56 and my wife Linda in 1998 at 57 after 37 years together so beleive me, I know what you are going through. It is tough, but you can do it!!! Love you girl! Hang in there!
Prayers for you and your family throughout this sad time. We enjoyed working with Mike at Stephens Real Estate & learned much from him. He will be missed by all that knew him. Nancy & Ray Fleshman
Jill, Cindy and Jason so sorry for your loss.
I am so glad for the opportunity to work with Mike at Stephens and the good time we spent golfing.
Your family is in my prayers.
I am one of the many Mike helped in business, one of the many who felt Mike looked after us with a special interest. But my favorite Mike stories come from the time he wooed and married Jill. He was as happy and grateful as a teenager in love. My sincere sympathy.
My condolences to Jill and family. Mike was my landlord for years when I first moved to Lawrence. He made my family and I feel very welcomed. He was very helpful and kind. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mike. ??
Mike was a wonderful man and my late Mother, Ann thought the world of him. Jill, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this very difficult time.
Rest in peace, Mike
Jill and family, I have fond memories of working with Mike both as a real estate agent helping me purchase a home and when filling his pest control needs. He will be missed.
Mike sold me my first home back in the 70’s. He always remembered me when we came across each other. Really warm individual. God Bless.
Mike was a true gentleman, we knew each other for years in the real estate business. My condolences to Jill and the family.
A trusted and talented individual. Mike guided my wife and I through several home purchases in our 30 years of knowing him. Patient and persistent, always. Condolences to his inner circle and family.
Mike was a dear friend. We bought our first house and our last house from him. Such a kind, sweet soul.
Truly a kind and loving man in business and in life. Our deepest condolences to family and friends.
We miss you already, Mike! SO PROUD of your full and interesting life’s Legacy!! You were a Gentleman AND a Scholar!❤❤❤