Michael Arnold Shevchenko, Jr, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, after a lengthy illness at his home in Cawker City, Ks, with his devoted daughter and caregiver, Natasha, at his bedside.
Mike, affectionately known as "Chief", was born on March 26, 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska to Michael A. Shevchenko Sr. and Ruth (Nelson) Shevchenko. Growing up alongside his beloved sister, Sonja, Mike loved to fish, a talent he acquired and developed at a young age from his mother, Ruth. Mike was very gifted at art and especially liked to draw horses. Mike loved animals and always had a furry friend by his side. Mike enjoyed dancing to rock and roll music and watching western movies, and Cubs baseball.
Mike excelled at sports, especially baseball and boxing, and had awesome acrobatic skills, that he showcased by doing random standing back flips, shocking and impressing his audience. His street fighting abilities awarded him with an invitation to join the local boxing club where he was the Omaha golden gloves champion in his class. He was all set to go to regional in Chicago when he became sick with the flu, but he continued to box locally, until enlisting in the Navy at 18. A proud US Navy veteran, Mike served honorably as a Barber and Boxer while stationed in San Diego. Known in the Navy as "The Man with the Golden Hands", Mike had an impressive record of 108 wins and only 1 loss, a testament to his skill and determination.
After the Navy, Mike returned to Omaha, where after various jobs he eventually worked at Western Electric for over 10 years. In 1975 Mike decided to try his hand at managing a Dairy Queen in South Carolina, then Florida. He returned to Omaha in 1976 and became a roofer. During this time he played softball and managed several teams, his nickname was "Big Wheels" because he ran faster than lightning around the bases. He continued to hunt and fish, taking many trips with the family to Branched Oak, also to Niobrara, Gavin's Point & Harlan County Lake, to name a few. Mike's favorite hobby was breeding and selling tropical fish to the fish stores in Omaha. In 1984, He & his wife, Terry, the owners of Mike's Little Cobbler Shoe Repair in the Benson area of Omaha. Mike's artistic talent & skill was evident in the exceptional quality of his work and the amount of business he maintained. His Golden retriever, Big Red, accompanied him to work every day and was immortalized in the mural painted on the brick façade of the shop, symbolizing the bond he shared with his best friend. Mike sold the shoe repair business after about 10 years and moved to Cawker City, in order to fulfill his life's dream as a fisherman, while caring for his aging mother.
Mike enjoyed cooking at Northside Café in Downs, Hindquarter's Bar & Grill in Cawker City, and Rader's Lodge in Glen Elder where his creative cooking style included concocting delectable meals for the locals and hunters and fishermen, which became synonymous with warmth and community.
Mike's most passionate venture was as a fishing guide at Waconda Lake. He was known far and wide as "Mike the Guide". Mike was a Master Angler and regularly took fishermen to all his best "honey holes".
Whether mentoring others or sharing stories and laughter at the Corner Bar & Hindquarter's Bar & Grill, on the pontoon, or around the campfire, Mike had an extraordinary ability to connect with people and teach them valuable skills without even realizing it.
As we reflect upon the life of Michael Arnold Shevchenko, we are reminded of a man who lived fully and generously. Whose laughter, stories, love for his furry companions, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors fostered connections that will resonate forever. His spirit will remain embedded in our hearts as we cherish the memories he has left with us.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Dawn Shevchenko.
Survived by his children, Mark, Kelli, Lori, Shawna, and Natasha, his sisters Sonja (Bob) Shepherd, Sandy (Corey) McLeod, Margo (Mike) Houseworth Forsythe: 7 grandchildren including Vanessa who helped care for him, and 2 Great Grandchildren; nieces and nephews, many friends and community members who were touched by his kindness and generosity.
Private family services will take place at a later date. Schoen Funeral Home & Monuments in care of arrangements.
Online condolences to schoenfhm.com