Michael Morse Jackson

Michael Morse Jackson (74), of Topeka, KS, passed away on May 23, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born to Dr. Robert Doster and Margaret Anne Jackson in Madison, Wisconsin, April 1, 1949. Mike was the second oldest of seven children. He graduated from Topeka High, attended University of Wisconsin – Platteville and graduated from the University of Kansas. He then earned his law degree from Washburn University, and practiced law in Topeka for over forty years. He also served as a pro tem judge at times during his long career.

Before that life as a scholar and professional took hold, Mike began assembling the skills and temperament that would serve him so well as an adult. At the age of 14, he paddled and portaged a canoe with half a dozen teenagers from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Traversing nearly 1000 miles gave him the initial endurance, both physical and mental, that he relied on through the many challenges that life handed him.

With an aptitude for fixing things, it was no surprise that he ended up in law. Friends say he came out of the womb a carpenter, and it became an enduring passion and gift throughout his entire life. He spent 10 years working as a Carpenter, in Colorado, with his first wife Janet and their daughter Gretchan, and later in Madison, Wisconsin. He built his parent's cabin on Lake Mendota in Wisconsin and spent years and late hours restoring his downtown law offices to their original 1886 design. Endless puzzles stretched out in front of him, one angle, one stair tread, one board at a time. Where the rest of us might sigh and google "dry rot," he'd soon be heard outside, whistling, pencil behind his ear.

He loved mechanics and engines, flying airplanes, riding motorcycles, sailing, and restoring every part of a roaring, wine red 1976 Datsun 280Z.

Music was another puzzle for Mike who loved classic rock and roll, singing, and noodling around on his turquoise electric guitar. He could pick up and hold a tune on any given song, even when he obviously didn't have the lyrics right. His love of his music was superseded only by his family. In fact, when a girl backed over a stack of his vinyls on their first date, he still found it in his heart to marry her.

Despite the crushed records, Mike cherished his wife, Laurie, and his children. Together, Mike and Laurie lived a life of joy, creating a welcoming home for their family and friends. There is a reason that all of us disparate souls felt at home the second we walked in the door. Few went more than five minutes before being told by Mike, "Hey, you need to try this cheese." They found joy in nature, and spent many happy days together gardening, and reclaiming wild land. Mike knew and appreciated every plant, even, grudgingly, the honeysuckle which was clearly outwitting him. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed fishing with his brothers on expeditions to Canada and shared that love for adventure with his children.

The compassion that made Mike an excellent lawyer and advocate for those who are too easily overlooked came from a deep well. Mike's kind and thoughtful nature made him a beloved father. His way of imparting assurance, and an ease and humor with a knowing wry smile and gentle voice will always be with his children. He never asked a question without expecting a thoughtful answer back, and he found a way to bring that out in all of us.

Mike is survived by his wife Laurie and his children Gretchan (Kurt and Rory), Parker, Rosie, and Alex (Jordin and Jacob). He is also survived by his six siblings (Bob, Liz, Julie, Jon, Peter, Margaret); his first wife and friend Janet Fritts Jackson; special friends Brandy and Bailey whom he helped raise; and Georgia "Jo" Taylor who worked alongside Mike for over 30 years. Thank you to the people who lovingly cared for Mike at Midland Care. Mike will be remembered in his community as a professional and friend who cared enough to generously serve those who needed him. We don't always see when something in our lives is broken, but Mike was there ready to fix it, and we reached for the hand he offered.

Services will be held Saturday May 27, 2023, 10:00 AM at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8th & Buchanan, Topeka, KS. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Habitat for Humanity in Topeka or Midland Care or Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.