Michael Thomas Ehmann

Born on August 10, 1947, in Bay City, Michigan, Mike dedicated his life to learning, teaching, and helping others. A proud University of Michigan graduate, he spent many years as a public school mathematics teacher, sharing his love of numbers and learning with generations of students. Over the course of his career, Mike taught at Redford High School, Cass Technical High School, and Greenhills School in Ann Arbor.

For Mike, retirement never meant retiring from teaching. He continued to tutor young people, encouraging and challenging them while sharing his knowledge and patience. A true bookworm and lifelong learner, Mike never stopped seeking out new things to understand. Even recently, he enrolled at Washtenaw Community College, continuing his education simply because he loved to learn.

Mike was known for his gentle nature, thoughtful conversation, and genuine interest in people. He was an active member of the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation and served on its Mitzvah Committee, giving his time to help members of the community during times of need. Helping others was simply part of who Mike was.

Mike’s greatest joy in life was being a father to his son, Jake. Their relationship was truly special, and the two were often described as a team of their own. Mike treasured the time he spent with Jake, whether they were sharing everyday moments together or cheering on their beloved Detroit Tigers. Tigers’ games became a special tradition for them, filled with excitement, laughter, and memories they could share side by side.

Mike found great happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved being outdoors, walking in nature, or enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book. He enjoyed classical music, particularly Bach, as well as classical jazz. He loved challenging his mind with a game of chess and could often be recognized in a crowd by the knit hat he wore in every season.

Mike was also a wonderful and steadfast friend. He had a remarkable ability to maintain relationships throughout his life, staying in touch with friends from every chapter of his journey. Among those were his longtime college friends who studied together in Germany, with whom he remained connected for decades. He was also part of a running group that met regularly for many years. Eventually, as the years went by, the running group naturally became a walking group—but the friendship and tradition continued.

Travel was another source of joy for Mike. He treasured visiting family and friends throughout the U.S., Europe, and particularly in Switzerland and Germany. Most of all, he enjoyed experiencing the places, people, and history he encountered along the way.

Mike returned to Ann Arbor with his wife, Lisa Gayle, in 2004. The two met in Detroit in the late 1970s and discovered a mutual passion for social justice. This began a partnership that would last until Lisa’s passing in 2009. Their shared commitment to thoughtful conversation, community, and the world around them remained an important part of Mike’s life. To both Mike and Lisa, one of life’s greatest blessings and achievements has been becoming Jake’s parents and having the joy of watching him grow each year.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the University of Michigan Hospital for their exceptional care, comfort, and compassion.

Mike is survived by his loving son Jacob, his brother, Will, of Holland, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lisa Gayle, in 2009.

Services for Mike will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Shiva will be announced to its members by AARC. To view Mike’s service online please visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81366150383#success

A private burial will be held at Arborcrest Memorial Park, 2521 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s honor to Nichols Arboretum or the Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation (AARC).