Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Anspaugh Obituary
ANSPAUGH, 58
Polk Co. School Board
LAKELAND - Michael Roy Anspaugh, 58, died on September 6, 2008 from melanoma (skin cancer).
He was born on March 26, 1950 in Kendallville, Indiana. He was a resident of Lakeland since 1970. He worked for the Polk County School System at Lake Gibson High School & George Jenkins High School, where he taught and coached for 33 years. He was a member of Sigma CHI at Florida Southern College.
He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Ans-paugh and his brother, Stephen Anspaugh. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Anspaugh, of Lakeland, his children, Stephen, Jackson and Richmond Anspaugh, all of Lakeland, his mother, Norma Anspaugh, and his sister, Linda Walker, both of Bradenton, FL.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Monday, September 15, 2008 at Highland Park Church of the Nazarene, HP3 Center at 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mike Anspaugh Trust Fund, Community Southern Bank, 3340 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, 33803.
An online guest book is available at
www.lakelandfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Anspaugh
Pam Rajendran Taub
October 21, 2008
Dear Anspaugh Family: I was shocked to hear about Mike's passing. He was my math teacher for two years in high school and a wonderful mentor to me. I remember fondly my chats with Mike about Indiana, politics, Hoosiers etc. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pam Rajendran Taub
Lake Gibson High School Class of 1994
Mary Lou Mandish Smith
October 16, 2008
Dear Dawn, I was so sorry to hear about Mike. I'm sorry I did not know to make it to his service. "Anspaugh" was a great man. He was my teacher at Kathleen Junior High and I was the "basketball manager" for him at KJH. He always encouraged me to play basketball even though I was not that good and I carried that with me into Intramurals at graduate school.
He helped me with math courses when I went to USF. I remember he always liked John Wayne. He moved on to Lake Gibson High School when I went there so I was able to keep in touch with him all those years as well. He was a true mentor of mine and I will always carry memories of him in my heart. I remember one time he had me scout out a basketball team while I was in optometry school in Memphis because he had a big game against them. He wanted me to tell him about all the players and who played best - of course I went to the game and reported back to him! I'm just sorry I had not seen him recently. He will be missed and I wish you and your boys the best.
Sincerely, Mary Lou Mandish Smith
class of 1984
Janet Foster
September 24, 2008
It saddened me to hear about Mr. Anspaugh's passing. He was my 7th grade math teacher when he was just starting out in Lakeland at Kathleen Junior High. I've gone on to do wonderful things and I'm grateful that he was a part of my educational life. My thoughts are with the Anspaugh family.
Dr. Pamela White-Wilson
September 16, 2008
Dawn, I am so sorry to hear of your physical loss of Mike. Remember, he will always be with you in spirit. May God hold you and your family close to His bosom.
Rick and Katrina Gillin
September 15, 2008
We were so sad to hear of Mike's passing. He was very special to our family. We had many conversations and laughs with Mike during the times our boys played ball together. We thought very highly of him. We are keeping you all close to our hearts and praying you find the comfort you need to get through this very difficult time.
Daydre (Thornton) Lanier
September 15, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family
I was so saddened to hear about Mr. Anspaugh's passing! He was a wonderful man, teacher, and coach to all his students. Many kids have grown to be better people and adults for having the chance to know him! My heart breaks for you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa & John Kern
September 15, 2008
Mrs.Dawn & Family:
We just want you to know that you are in are thoughts and prayers, If you need any thing we are here for you or the Boy's. Lisa, John, John John & Alesha.
Bud Jorgensen
September 15, 2008
Dear Mrs. Anspaugh and family,
You were an inspiration to my girls and for that I am grateful.
May Heavenly Father scoop you up in his arms and carry you all through these troubling times.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fentrice Driskell
September 15, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
The Tulowiecki's
September 15, 2008
Dawn,
You know we've prayed for you over the past 2 years, and you will continue to be in our prayers. May God help you find comfort and peace. Always remember that we are here for you!
Jeff & Elaine Brock
September 15, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He will certainly be missed. You and your family are in our prayers.
Scott L. Peeler, Jr.
September 14, 2008
Dawn and Family,
My sincere sympathy to you and all your family. God bless and comfort you in your loss.
Lee Saunders (92)
September 14, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family:
I had the privilege of having Mr. Anspaugh for all three years at Lake Gibson. I will never be able to repay him for the knowledge he imparted, but I will always remember the great times we had learning. All those whom he left behind will be forever better for having him in our lives. He will live on through the lives he touched. Have faith that he is in a better place and will be watching over you.
God Bless,
Casey (Fye) Golden
September 14, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh, I am so sorry. I know you loved that man. Well you were always there to give me advice, now it is time for me to give you some. Stay strong. Each day will get eaiser, although you will never forget. Just remember what a great man he is. He will live through your boys now.
Mary Pirillo and Family
September 14, 2008
Sweet Dawn and Boys:
Our family extends to each of you our heart felt sympathy and prayers at this very difficult time in your lives.
How wonderful it is to know that your husband and your dad didn't just influence one life (which would of been enough), but many lives ! What a fabulous testiment of him.
Of course, treasure each and every memory and may you be blessed with thousands of dreams that have him in them.
Unfortunate as it is to come to this "site", you will eventually treasure each typed word, because they are from people that love and care about you. THAT is a gift unique all its own!
May Heavenly Father keep you in His tender care.
"Families Are Forever"
Doris Moore Bailey
September 14, 2008
To Dawn Anspaugh, sons, the entire Anspaugh family and friends:
I regret to read of Mike's demise; however, his love, life and legacy with forever me itched in the memory of those who lives he touched.
I first met Mike in 1971 while he was teaching at Jesse Keen Elementary and I was working there too. He displayed a zest of spirit and life.
Prayerfully, your grief is not that of a permanent loss, but the reality of sadness that comes in saying good-bye for now to someone you love.
In the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years to come, may you and your family find comfort and peace in Mike's perpetual love and fond memories.
With sincere condolences,
Kristin (Stout) Walker
September 14, 2008
Dawn & boys, I know your heartache and the battle that you all fought over the past 2 years and pray for peace. You are in my thoughts often. Your old neighbors and student LGHS c/o 92.
shelton thompson
September 14, 2008
Mrs Anspaugh and Family,
Sorry for your loss! Coach was one of my most memorable teachers! May God comfort you in your grief.
Shelton Thompson
class of 85'
Mark (Mouse) and Mary Minier
September 13, 2008
Our memories of Mike go back almost 50 years. From the little league baseball games at the Wawaka ballpark to riding in the backseat of his Volkswagen Bug going to high school baseball games. From the pickup basketball games at the Anspaugh house to the varsity basketball games at the high school. His teammates will remember a fierce competitor. His hard work and dedication made a better team of every team he was on.
The good ones are too often taken too soon. You should take comfort in the memories and lives that Mike has inspired. Those memories will live on forever in the students he has taught and in his family. His Memorial truly will be a celebration of his life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lynn Mize
September 13, 2008
Dear Dawn and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My daughters and I are so grateful to you for all of your guidance and help through out their high school years. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Judith (Martin) Simmons
September 13, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was very fortunate to have him as my teacher at Lake Gibson in 1984. He was a great teacher and a good friend he will be missed.
Melanie Wyatt (Class of '84)
September 12, 2008
I had the wonderful opportunity of having met Mr. Anspaugh as a student at Kathleen Junior High and then again at Lake Gibson. He was truly an inspiration to those he taught. May your family find comfort in the kind words of those who knew and loved you!
Dell Griffin Quary & Family
September 12, 2008
To Dawn and family, may the Lord comfort and bless all of you . In the book of John (14:27), we are reassured of God’s gift of peace…so let not your hearts be troubled or afraid…Jesus is closer than you’ve ever dreamed.
With Heartfelt Sympathy
Aaron and Ashley Kent
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God hold your hand through this difficult time.
Traci (Crowley) Steele
September 11, 2008
Hello Mrs. Anspaugh, I was so saddened to hear about Mike's passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great man and I know he was a wonderful husband and father he will be missed by many.
Charlie/Shirley Rideout
September 11, 2008
Dawn & Family, our love and prayers are with you. Mike was an inspiration to all who knew him and you have both have touched many lives. May God grant you a peace that can only come from him.
Mona Ducker
September 11, 2008
Dear Dawn, Stephen, Jackson and Richmond - We have lost one who is a loving husband, a tremendous father, a wonderful friend, a special teacher, and outstanding example for so many. Mike will always be with us as he unselfishly shared himself throughout his shortened lifetime. I cherish the many memories that I have while working with both Mike and you, Dawn, at Lake Gibson High School. You both have positively influenced many young adults with a strong foundation in both academics and social skills. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you have peace in knowing that Mike is no longer suffering on this earth. Please know I am here if you need anything in the times ahead. I would be honored to assist in any way possible.
With Love and Prayers,
Stephanie Melvin(Hughes) Class of '91
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family:
My heart goes out to you and your family during this. It was a pleasure to have both you and Mr. Anspaugh as my teachers. He will be greatly missed. Just know that he is in a much better place.
Stephanie Holaday
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh, Our prayers are with you and your family. We live in TN now, but got the sad news from a fellow classmate. Please know our thoughts are with you!
Stephanie White Holaday (LGHS c/o 87) and Kevin Holaday (LGHS c/o 81)
Tilly Fettke
September 11, 2008
Not only Mike, but you too, Dawn, will always be treasured for our opening years at Lake Gibson Senior High in the early 80's as colleagues and still as friends. Both of you profoundly contributed to the lives of so many students, not just in the area of mathematics and sports, but also impacting their social, emotional, and spiritual outlook. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
George, Veronica, Shawn, Zak and Olivia Kerst
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh, Jackson and family,
We are sorry for your loss..We will pray for your family.
Melissa (Myers) Robertson C/O '96
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family:
My heart goes out to you and your family during this trying time. Mr. Anspaugh was a true inspiration to all he taught.
Jacqie (Mize) Parks
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you and your family the strength needed in this difficult time. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you!
Always-
Jacqie (Mize) Parks
John & Carla & Jon Jon Blackmon
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh & boys,
Our thoughts & Prayers are with you at this time of the loss of your loved one. Remember all the good times You all shared together.
Dave Robbins
September 11, 2008
Dawn, My thoughts are with you and the boys at this time. I will always have many happy thouthts and memories of the twenty-five years of coaching with Mike. I really got closer to Mike during the last four years as he battled with his health problems. I can not began to tell you the many things I learned from Mike. He was truly one of a kind. I am relieved somewhat as he will no longer suffer as he did in the last year. He was truly courageous in his fight with cancer. He fought to the end and never gave up hope. I will always cherish the time I spent wih Mike the last three of four weeks as we were able to talk about many things. Please do not hesitate to call Doris or Myself if we can be of any help.
Kathy Valiquette(Lake Gibson 1988)
September 11, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you , I remember Mr Anspaugh fom Lake Gibson, He was a wonderful man, God bless you
Kimberly Gilliam
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids during this tragic time. You have always been very special to me and my family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Kimberly Bush Gilliam
Dana Jacoby
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh
I am so sorry to hear about your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and sons.
Dana Gore Jacoby
Kelly Wheelis, LGHS class of 1995
September 11, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sherri Bornstine
September 11, 2008
I have so many fond memories of our time together and I will cherish those in the years to come. You taught me so much about so many things (especially basketball). I try to pass along some of your wisdom to my players and students in hopes that they will become better. I will forever miss you! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. If there is a basketball court or baseball field in heaven, I'm sure you are playing right now. I look forward to meeting up with you again for a good game of basketball! Until then......
Keri Collins
September 11, 2008
Dear Dawn,
Just wanted you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Mike will surely be missed, he was an inspiration to many students.
Bobbie Reeves
September 11, 2008
Mrs. Anspaugh and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sons played baseball together at East Lakeland. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bobbie Reeves, Shawn Reeves, Brandon Reeves and "Little" Marse Farmer
Showing 1 - 42 of 42 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Anspaugh's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Anspaugh
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Anspaugh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
