Michael Bachmann

1940 - 2014

The world is a better place because of the contributions of Mike Bachmann. Born in Salem, Illinois on July 17, 1940, Mike died suddenly of a heart attack in Montreal, Canada on September 7, 2014. Mike figured he was destined to run the family furniture store. But his summers at Camp Highlands for Boys in Sayner, Wisconsin changed all that. Starting when he was 10 years old, Mike attended Camp Highlands every summer for the rest of his life. When he was a student at Grinnell College, he decided that he wanted a life of camp - so he became a teacher, which would afford him his summers off, which would allow him to pursue his dream of running Camp Highlands. It was at Highlands that he met the love of his life, Sharon Nothdurft, who was at camp because her father was a counselor there. They were married June 14, 1964 and just this past summer celebrated their 50th anniversary. Together they lived in Western Springs, where Mike went on to work at a number of fantastic schools; Ideal Elementary, Spring Avenue, Avery-Coonley, and finally the College of DuPage, where he was chair of the education department. Mike was an active leader at the Theater of Western Springs and the First Congregational Church of Western Springs. He and Sharon have three children, who now have children of their own. Tim and Carol Bachmann live in San Anselmo, California with their son, Lukas; Laura and Jose Cubillos live in Park City, Utah with their children, Mateo and Esperanza; and Andy and Tracy Bachmann live in Gainesville, Florida with their children, Judah, Stella and Remy. He was an incredible father and outstanding grandfather, never one to deny a chocolate chip cookie or a motorboat ride. Mike also has a brother, John Bachmann, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. Mike's lasting legacy though his directorship of Camp Highlands is an incredible thing to behold. Loving tributes from Highlands friends around the world have strewn in, declaring Mike Bachmann to being one of the most influential, considerate, generous and worthwhile men the world has ever known - just what he was. We are deeply saddened that he took the left turn to heaven instead of the right to Nova Scotia. He will always be loved and missed, and his spirit will live on through others and Camp Highlands for Boys. We have established a campership fund in his name so that any kid who wants to can experience the magic of camp. Donations can be made to the American Camping Association of Illinois, c/o the Mike Bachmann Campership Fund, 5 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603-3104. All donations are tax deductible. A memorial service and reception will be held this Saturday, September 13th at 1PM at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs, Illinois: 1106 Chestnut Street.