Hyluard Wayne Maichel

Hyluard Wayne Maichel of Topeka passed away November 10, 2026 at Oakley Place in Topeka, KS. after a long battle with cancer. Wayne spent his life fighting for working Kansans, and he did it with a steady hand, a sharp mind and deep loyalty to the people he represented.

Wayne was born December 5, 1941, in Richland, KS to Hyluard and Chrystyne (Benander) Maichel. He grew up in Overbrook, graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1959, and served his country in the National Guard. He was a member of Post 400 of the American Legion.

In the early 1960s he went to work at the Goodyear Tire plant in the warehouse, where he became active in Local 307 and became the union representative for the warehousemen. After his time at Goodyear, Wayne worked for the United Way as labor liaison. In 1980, he was elected Executive Vice President of the Kansas AFL-CIO, a post he held for 23 years. In that position, he served as the lobbyist for all working men and women in Kansas. At the Statehouse he was a respected voice on unemployment and workers' compensation, and he took part in nearly every change to the state's unemployment laws during that time. He also helped shape the state's economic development efforts in the 1980s, including the creation of Kansas Inc. He told lawmakers that his work at the Capitol was meant to benefit every Kansas worker, union or not. He was active in the Democrat party and met many politicians who organized labor had endorsed. He also spoke at many community events, including the Boy Scouts of America and an annual one-day seminar at Washburn University helping to educate students about labor unions. In 2003 he was appointed Director of Unemployment for the Kansas Department of Labor, where he served until 2009. He also served on the Public Employee Relations Board, Kansas Inc., and the Employment Security Board of Review, where he heard unemployment appeals. When senators asked him whether he would be an advocate or an impartial judge on that board, he told them his advocate days were over. Those who knew him might say that was the only promise he ever had trouble keeping.

The union hall gave him more than a cause. It was where he met his wife Rita, who worked as the union office secretary. They married in 1975, raised three daughters in Silver Lake, and later moved to Topeka. Wayne and Rita celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2025.

Wayne was an avid KU Jayhawks fan and loved the outdoors. He always had a big garden, and he loved fishing, hunting, hiking and camping. Wayne and Rita both loved camping and spent years traveling the country together. At 75, Wayne got his first passport and took two trips to Mexico with his daughters, loving every second. His grandchildren held a particularly special place in his heart. He was immensely proud of each of them and took great joy in their lives and accomplishments. Being their grandfather was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and Papa and was happiest when surrounded by family.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rita; daughters Renee (Jane) Vogel of Arizona, Rhonda Arnold and Robin Martin (Jay Sanders) of Kansas; grandchildren Brooke Arnold, Bret Arnold, Alex Martin (Andrea Vergara), and Haley (Barrett) Brantingham; siblings Sondra (Everett) Simmons, Carl (Vicky) Maichel, and Bonnie Keim; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ruth Gruver; and his brothers, Nelson “Mack” Young and Harold "Pug" Young.

Service details: A visitation and remembrance will be held on Tuesday November 24th, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Seaman Community Church Fellowship Hall. Bring your stories, memories and jokes to share in true Maichel fashion.

In memory of Wayne Maichel, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.