Michael John Saresky

Michael John Saresky, 80, of Cole Camp passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at his home in Cole Camp, MO. He was born in 1945 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of Joseph Michael Saresky and Edna Ruth (Stek) Saresky, who preceded him in death.

On August 30, 2002, in McPherson, KS, he was united in marriage to Janet S. Saresky, who resides in the home.

Michael "Mike" John Saresky was a man of much compassion and even more joy. Born and raised in Coralville, Iowa, Mike was a tried-and-true Hawkeye. Mike attended Coralville Elementary School. There, he met friends who would remain for the rest of his life. Mike and these friends, lovingly known to one another as "Fat Cooks", stuck together through the ups and downs of adulthood, and he cherished them greatly. Mike's first job was with Coralville Public Schools, where he worked as a janitor during seventh grade, earning 75 cents an hour.

A 1963 graduate of University High School in Coralville. Mike was an outstanding athlete participating in basketball, football, track, and baseball. After graduation, Mike attended barber school while working at a funeral home with a friend for free rent above the business. Upon the completion of barber school, Mike opened his own barber shop on 5th Street in Coralville. Mike met Linda Hammes on a blind date in Coralville, and they were married on December 28th, 1965, in Clear Creek, Iowa. Mike and Linda welcomed three children, Joe, Shelly, and Leigh Ann, before going their separate ways in life.

Throughout his first marriage and the birth of his children, Mike worked as an insurance agent in Coralville and an appliance salesman at Kee TV in Keokuk, Iowa. After transitioning to work for the gas company owned by Kee TV, Mike moved to Hannibal, Missouri. He continued a 38-year career in natural gas sales with Atmos Energy that eventually led him to settle in Olathe, Kansas. Here, Mike met the only woman his beloved black lab, Maggie, ever approved of, Janet Unruh. Mike and Janet were married on August 30th, 2002, in McPherson, Kansas, and Mike gained a stepson, Brett.

A man of many talents and much athleticism. Mike was an accomplished darts thrower, pool player, shuffleboarder, bowler, and golfer. Spending many hours with his friends, colleagues, and family on the green, Mike found ease on the golf course. There were many weekend matches and small tournaments that Mike came out on top of, but one was his shining crown jewel. In 1978, Mike's team won the Amana VIP golf tournament, and he took third place in the individual competition.

Golf was a natural talent, but the lifelong love affair for Mike was fishing. He began fishing with his father and grandfather as a young boy, but as he would say, it grew from a sport to more of an addiction. This passion fostered the founding of a lure company, Sirmanski Lures, named in reference to "The Great Sirmanski", Mike's nickname amongst friends. Over more than 35 years, Mike made what he estimated to be more than 75 trips to Canada. His favorite being the trips to Lac Seul to fish for walleye with many of those friends. Some days were spent in the cabin telling stories and waiting out the rain; many days were spent reeling in more than 1,500 fish as a group.

Though much like his life, every day at Lac Seul was dedicated to true camaraderie and partaking in the simple things- walleye and friends. Sirmanski loved to teach his buddies the best ways of catching the elusive snaggletoothed creatures, sometimes making long home videos to teach techniques for the trip. Mike retired in 2015 and moved with Janet to Cole Camp, Missouri, to enjoy his days with his wife, dogs, and family.

Mike will be remembered for his legendary stories, incredible humor, thoughtful wisdom, and many talents. He truly lived up to one of his greatest mantras, to do what it takes to "make yourself proud of yourself."

In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his children, Joe (Melanie) Saresky, of Keota, IA, Shelly (Randy) Leffler of Aviston, IL, Leigh Ann (Rick) Grunden, of Cole Camp, MO, and a stepson Brett Unruh, of Gardner, KS; his grandchildren Joe (Chantel) Saresky, of North Liberty, IA, Rileigh (Bo) Grunden, of Sedalia, Rae (Elijah) Grunden, of Hernandez, NM, Brooke (Nathan) Stoutner, of Keota, IA, Shelly (Jason) Haley, of Wellman, IA, and Bralyn and Bentley Winn, of Lenexa, KS; and great-grandchildren, Chloe, Stevie, and Chase Gingrich, Robert, Raiden, and Ruby Altheide, and Rylan Maestas.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by a sister Barbara Anderlik.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel with Pastor Aaron Roberts officiating. The family requests that you wear your Iowa Hawkeyes shirts which was his favorite team, or wear your favorite sports team.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Honorary bearers will be Larry "Hog" Seaton, Tommy Cannon, John "Peachy" Cochran, Harry Brooks, J.R. Derksen, Gabe Brown, and Tony Benedict.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choice in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.