Dorine Louise Michael

Dorine “Louise” Michael, 90, of Topeka, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

She was born November 23, 1934, in Olivet, Kansas, to Robert Lee Waugh and Alta (Ballocca) Waugh. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1952.

Louise married Paul Lee Michael, April 16, 1955, in Waverly, Kansas. He passed in 2009.

She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church and was involved in the Altar Society and many other groups within the church. She enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, square dancing with her husband, and was active in “TOPS” for over 50 years.

Louise worked at the Municipal Court for the City of Topeka as an Administrative Assistant and retired in 1997.

Survivors include her children, Bryant L. Michael of Lathrop, MO, Edwin L. Michael and wife Lazina of Topeka, KS, Paula L. Michael of Topeka, KS, Roger L. Michael of Topeka, KS, and Mary L. Benjamin of Emporia, KS; grandchildren, Aubrey Michael, Ellyce Grassley, Alexis Katzer, Colton Michael, Robert Michael, Christien Schulz, Harley Dubois, Justin Michael, Thomas Michael, Luke Michael, Gus Benjamin, Garrett Benjamin, and Trey Benjamin; great grandchildren, Jacob, Rece, Chance, Tatum, Corynn, Macelin, Urbin, Bowen, Raigen, Parker, Lavender, Weston, Violet, Carson, Chaz, Ralissa, Hunter, Layton, Maddex, Miller, Makinley, Jorie, Ander, and Paxton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Robert Waugh; sister, Carol Bradshaw; granddaughter, Trista Smith and husband Kyle; daughter in law, Martine Michael; and son in law, Richard “Tex” Benjamin.

A memorial visitation with the family will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a rosary prayed at 6:30pm, Wednesday, October 8 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Thursday, October 9, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Waverly, Kansas.

Memorial contributions should be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.