Michael Allen Hestand

Michael Allen Hestand passed away at his home on September 5, 2026.

He was born on September 30, 1958, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Lewis and Christine Hestand.

Michael attended high school in Cherryvale and graduated from Cherryvale High School in 1976. Following graduation, he completed EMT training in Coffeyville, Kansas, and went on to work as an EMT. Throughout his life, Michael held a variety of jobs and was known as a “Mike of all Trades”. He was a hardworking man who was always willing to take on something new. He also spent several years working at JumpStart, where he worked in customer service and enjoyed helping others.

Michael was united in marriage to Brenda Spangler in Cherryvale, Kansas, and the couple later divorced. Family was an important part of Michael’s life, and he especially treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. He was known as "Poppy Mike" to his family.

When he wasn’t working, Michael enjoyed watching television and bowling. He was someone who liked to stay busy and took pride in working hard. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Brandy (Hestand) Kessler of Cherryvale, Kansas; his son, Michael Hestand II and his significant other Hannah Kauffman of Joplin, Missouri; his bonus son, Todd Kessler of Cherryvale, Kansas; his brother Marvin Hestand and his wife Marilyn, of Cherryvale, Kansas; along with 8 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson and several nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by the many individuals he welcomed into his life and proudly considered his "adopted family".

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Christine Hestand; and his mother-in-law Mary Shepard. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael Hestand Memorial Scholarship and may be left with or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wickham Family Funeral Home - Cherryvale, 216 E 4th St, Cherryvale, KS 67335.