Michael Leo Grace

Michael “Mike” Leo Grace, 67, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born May 27, 1958, in Topeka, the son of Virgil Leo Grace and Josephine Sylvia Longshore Grace. Mike graduated from Hayden High School in 1976, and attended Benedictine College in Atchison. In his younger years he attended Holy Name Catholic Church.

He worked as a Route Sales Representative which he affectionately referred to himself as a “Breadman”, for Wonder Bread Hostess Cake and the Sara Lee Bakery Group. He also worked for Walgreens and Lewis Toyota.

Mike love attending his grandchildren’s activities- sporting events, school programs and the annual Grandparents Day at their schools- which he never missed. Mike loved his family and was always looking for occasions to get everyone together. He also enjoyed traveling, listening to music and watching sports. The Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Kansas State and Notre Dame were his favorites.

He and his long time partner, Sharla Carr have been together for 9 years. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children, Shannon Bowers and husband Shane of Tecumseh, Mark Grace of Topeka, and Morgan Ryan and husband Lane of Overland Park; brothers, Timothy Grace and wife Mary Ann of Indian Land, SC, James Grace and wife Linda of Topeka; grandchildren, Zachary Bowers, Haley Bowers, Emily Bowers, Sadie Bowers, William Ryan, Riley Ryan; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick Grace; and nephew, David Grace.

A rosary will be prayed at 5:30pm, with a visitation from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday, December 17 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00am, Thursday, December 18, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, with interment following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions should be made to 15 and the Mahomies Foundation or 87 and Running, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.