Michael Ronald Edler

Michael Ronald Edler, (Mike), "EZ" passed peacefully in his sleep on December 30th, 2024 at his home in Kansas City MO after a long illness.

Mike was born January 26, 1949 to Ronald and Mary (Harty) Edler in Sioux City, IA. He grew up in South Sioux City, NE and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Mike attended Emerson Sacred Heart High School where he excelled in academics, music and basketball. 

He worked on Grandpa Edler's as well as Kramper's Farms before attending college. Mike earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from St. Benedict's College in Atchison KS. After graduating, he moved to Kansas City where he called home for the next 52 years. He also achieved a Masters Degree in Anatomy and Physiology from UMKC, Kansas City, MO.

Mike worked at KU Medical Center for several years before he started his teaching career. Mike taught at St. Ann's Grade School. He spent eleven years at Rockhurst High School teaching, coaching tennis and basketball. Mike also taught and coached at O'Hara High School. 

Mike's greatest accomplishment was the impact he had on his students and their successes. Mike owned a lawn/ landscaping service, and a janitorial company. In 1985, he partnered with his brother, Ronnie, starting a construction salvage company which lead to a deck and remodeling company. Mike was also a skilled carpenter and continued to do construction up to the time of his illness.

Mike also worked at Cerner Corporation for many years and received numerous accolades before his retirement. He was very active in Teens Encounter Christ as well as Residents Encounter Christ at Leavenworth Prison. EZ was our brother, friend, teacher, coach, spiritual leader and inspiration to all of us. He was musically gifted being self-taught in piano, organ, keyboard and guitar. 

Mike was blessed with a beautiful singing voice which he shared at many weddings, funerals, retreats and mass. Mike loved playing tennis and basketball. He was a die-hard KU Jayhawks and KC Chiefs fan. He designed his own home which he built and enjoyed landscaping and gardening. His greatest love was for his cats and dogs, which were his children. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Mike McIntyre. He is survived by his sisters Constance (Reed) Edler-Bradford of Show Low, AZ,  Rosanne Chase of Newcastle, NE, Donna McIntyre of So. Sioux City, NE, his brother, Ronnie (Debra) of Overland Park, KS. Jean and Boyce Perkins of Waterbury NE (Aunt and Uncle)  and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please consider monetary donations to defray the cost of funeral expenses.

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