Published in Lawrence Journal-World on September 11, 2020

Michael Wahweotten
1964 – 2020

LAWRENCE- Michael A. “Blur” Wahweotten, 56, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on September 6, 2020 at his home. He was born on January 28, 1964 in Holton, KS, the son of Warren Wahweotten Sr and Wynona Harrison Wahweotten.

Mike worked from home as a scorer for several Universities.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Michael graduated from Lawrence High School in 1982. He also achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kansas University.

Mike was a dedicated fan of KU Jayhawks, KC Royals, and KC Chiefs. Mike had an extreme love for music, and a special love for Punk Rock. He enjoyed attending live shows, and was known personally by many of the bands. Mike had an extreme knowledge of music with some calling him a music encyclopedia, and was also referred to as the “Lawrence Punk Rock Legend.” Mike wrote about his own fanzine called “The Blur”. He also enjoyed DJ’ing for 90.7 FM KJHK. He had a vast knowledge of trivia and astronomy.

He was a member of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Warren A Wahweotten Sr; a sister, Tammy Wahweotten; and a nephew, Timothy Wahweotten.

Survivors include his mother, Wynona Wahweotten; one brother, Warren Wahweotten Jr (Gina) of Mayetta. Several cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Private family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

Michael Stoecker Facebook eulogy:

ALL MUSIC today is dedicated with real sadness to Mr. Mike “Blur” Wahweotten, friend, radio pal, fellow record nerd, concert buddy, barstool philosopher, music historian and all around kind & wonderful fellow. I found out last night of Blur’s passing and it immediately hollowed me out thinking about him being gone. He was perhaps the librarian and historian for the local music scene in Lawrence and part of Kansas City from the early 80’s onward. He was a treasure trove of records, live shows, flyers, zines (including his own “Blur”) and various tidbits of ephemera. He’d recount amazing live shows, tours and parties from Minor Threat, The Dead Kennedy’s to the Minutemen & The Replacements. Every holiday and summer break he’d take his turn on the airwaves at KJHK during the community free form blocks allotted to radio DJ alumni and nothing gave him more pleasure than drop the needle on a classic slab of rare punk rock for the people to hear.

We became friends because of local music nerdery as I bugged record store employees in Lawrence about LONG GONE bands no one had heard of often getting the only answer, “maybe Blur has some info on them. You can find him at the Replay.” So I did! And he was like an oracle on a barstool. Not only did he know about bands that never had a proper release but he had live concert tapes of em, demos, stories! I’d often catch him waiting for the bus and I’d give him a ride around town. He’d dig up 30 year old local zines and drop em in my lap to keep, things I’d never find out and about, though he kept the clutch on his infamous own zine as he was always going to put it all together in a collected works and get it republished.

Even after health complications severely sidelined a lot of activities for him, he still wanted to be a contributor in the scene. The last time I was over at his last apartment next to South Park, he still talked about turning his backyard into a DIY spot for bands to throw down and play. He’d get a few clip lights for the trees, do a small 12” high deck for a stage, get some monitors and it’d be great. This of course was all the daydreams of a man who felt local music in his blood. He was genuine. RIP Pal, I literally can’t imagine downtown LFK without you ❤️

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