Michel Ansolabehere

1936 - 2010

Michel Ansolabehere April 22, 1936 - November 17, 2010 Michel was born in Banca, France, the third of seven children to Jean and Marie Jeanne Ansolabehere. At 18, he entered the French Army, becoming a paratrooper during the French-Algerian War, and earned a Medal of Honor. Seeking a better life, he came to the U.S. in February 1959 and worked as a dairy milker for several years in Chino. He met and married Marie Etchemendy in 1967. Michel and Marie soon moved to Lancaster, where they would start their family and work in the sheep business. After 32 years of hard work, he spent his retirement enjoying the company of his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Michel is preceded in death by his parents and five brothers. He is survived by his wife, Marie; daughters, Christine Bloom and husband, Max, and Jeanine Blotske and husband, Chad; and grandchildren, Taylor, Griffin, Kaitlin, Madison, and Grant. He also leaves behind a sister, Graciana Berterreche, in Anhaux, France; sisters- in-law; numerous nieces and nephews. Michel was proud to be Basque and was a member of the Kern County Basque Club. A Rosary Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 900 H St. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association. Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits