Michael R. Uniak, age 78, died peacefully on April 7, 2026, at his home in Shawnee, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 9, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas to his parents, Raymond and Josephine Uniak. He had three sisters Linda Millhouse, Sharon Laughrey, (deceased), and Mary Beth McCarty (Gary).
Mike attended Christ the King Elementary school, Bishop Ward High School, Donnelly College, and Pittsburg State College where he received his Bachelors in Business Administration.
Mike married the love of his life, Marilyn Kostusik, on November 20, 1970.
Mike was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus and prayed daily, especially for his family, wife, children, and grandchildren. If someone said to Mike “Jesus loves you,” he would respond with a big smile and say, “and I love Jesus.”
Mike worked for thirty years in a management position at GMAC. When he retired from GMAC, he served as warehouse manager at Metro Tile. He was a driver for over ten years at Advanced Auto Parts, where he retired at 77.
Mike loved baseball, and he played all through high school and on various teams through his work and with friends. Mike was also involved in couples’ softball. Mike also enjoyed walking 3 to 6 miles a day in all kinds of weather for over twenty years.
Mike would sometimes get a little rowdy watching KU basketball, Royals baseball, Chiefs and Chicago Bears football, and KC Blues hockey.
Mike helped win ribbons and trophies at barbecue contests with Tom Callahan and Gary McCarty.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Laughrey, and his brother-in law Michael Millhouse.
Mike is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and his children Kara Smith, Kurt Uniak (Leanna) and Korie Johnson (Scott). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Cooper and Catie Smith, Kade and Lydia Uniak, and Madisyn, Bennett, and Baylor Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make contributions to Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic (3021 N. 54th St. Kansas City, KS) or City Union Mission (P.O. Box 270107, Kansas City, MO 64127.)
The visitation will be held at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, April 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 66203), and the Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM.