Brooke Leigh Gursky

Brooke was born on December 1, 1989, in Manhattan, KS, to Will and Sylvia (Hoyle) Hollis. From an early age, Brooke was very determined and could accomplish anything she set her mind to do.  She excelled in school and athletics, including basketball and softball.  She was a selfless soul who loved horses and all kinds of animals. Brooke graduated in 2008 from Rural Vista (White City, KS) High School. She continued her education at Kansas State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Education and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society.  Brooke continued her education at Fort Hays State, earning her master's degree in Counselling. She was nearing completion of her doctorate degree and had recently returned to Kansas State as a lecturer, fulfilling one of her long-term goals. Brooke was employed by USD 487 Herington, first as a middle school English teacher, then transitioned to teaching high school Social Science, and then as a mental health liaison.  She also coached high school basketball. She had a passion for helping kids in need and all of Brooke’s students held a very special place in her heart.

Brooke married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Michael Gursky, on August 11, 2012, in Abilene, KS. Michael and Brooke were then blessed with three wonderful children: Wyatt, Bryar, and Garrett. She was an incredibly loving and devoted wife and mother, whose greatest joy was her family. Brooke coached the kids in T-Ball and was always enthusiastically cheering them on at football, gymnastics, soccer, wrestling and swimming events.

She is survived by her husband Michael of Herington, KS; children Wyatt, Bryar, and Garrett; parents Will and Sylvia Hollis of Dwight, KS; in-laws Sara Boyce and Michael Anthony of Kansas City, MO and Christopher and Cindy Gursky of Lafayette, LA; grandpa Howard Hollis of Milford, KS; sisters and besties Brittany (James) Jones of Emporia, KS and Bethany (Pete) Husband of East St. Paul, MN; and nephew Zayden and nieces Genevieve, and Penelope;  and brother-in-law Ty Suggs of Manhattan. 

Brooke was taken from us too soon on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at her home. Her family will gather with friends on Friday, June 17 from 5-7p.m. at the Herington Community Center where her funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Dwight Cemetery. Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington is serving the family. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the USD 487 School Foundation to continue to help children in crisis or to the Gursky Children’s Fund in care of Michael Gursky. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Brooke at www.yazelmeglifh.com.