Chicago, Illinois
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...
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My condolences to the Bachman family. I was fortunate enough to be a student of Mr Bachman's when he taught 6th grade at Ideal Elementary. He has had a lasting influence on my life. He made learning enjoyable whiile also encouraging and challenging his students to learn more, a rare ability.
Mike Berry
May 18, 2018 | Sycamore, IL
I am so sorry to hear of Michael's death. Even as a 12-year-old, I recognized a great teacher who taught us to think critically and who respected each of us as an individual. Forty-seven years later, I still think of him the same way. One of my best memories of our classroom at Ideal School was listening to him read Agatha Christie and asking us all to vote each day on "who done it." I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in the wonderful legacy of learning that he...
September 22, 2014
I never had the honor of attending Camp Highlands, but I did meet mike on more than one occasion. My Aunt and Uncle owned the resort next to Camp Highlands and I visited the camp many TIMES as I spent my high school and college summers working at the resort. I did have the privilege of work at the camp in the summer of 1967 when I worked as the assistant cook. It was a fun and very informative summer for me and Mike and Sharon were a big part of that experience.
Over the years I have...
Dennis Hammer
September 17, 2014 | Sayner, WI
Our son Patrick has thoroughly enjoyed attending and now working as a staff member of Camp Highlands. It was obvious from the beginning that Mike's personal touch is what makes it so special. He has affected hundreds in many positive ways and will be truly missed. We are fortunate to have known him.
The Underwoods
September 15, 2014
Reception following the service! He was (obviously) well liked!
Carole Cech
September 13, 2014 | Indian Head Park, IL
Our son attended Camp Highland's in the 90's. He now works in the Grand Canyon and recently said he still uses stuff he learned at camp! Simply put, it was life changing for him. Thank you , Mike and Sharon for making a difference in so many lives. God Bless - Grant, Dwight and Roberta Breeden
September 13, 2014
Sharon and Family,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Trent and I wish we were able to attend the memorial and send our condolences to everyone in the family. Mike was such a wonderful man and remembered fondly. His humor, wink, and classic dress style always made an unforgettable impression. Here's to you Mike, we will miss you! - Trent & Kara Hayes Smith
September 12, 2014
Thank you, Mike, and all of the Highlands Staff for all that you have done to make camp a very special place for boys and their families. Evan (and so many others in our family) loved his time at camp and it will always leave an indelible mark on our lives. Mike was a very special person and I will really miss seeing him along Plum Lake - especially during the Steeplechase - my favorite event! Love to the whole family, Emily Winter
Emily Winter
September 12, 2014 | Minneapolis, MN
Sharon and the family-
I was a camper back in the late 70's, and my own son is thinking of sleep-away camp for next summer. It's been wonderful telling him stories of Highlands and reliving my past through those stories. I'm looking forward to seeing Camp and Plum Lake next summer after so many years, but it will be bitter sweet to miss seeing Mike again.
Few people in this world truly leave a legacy. Mike did.
Ed Hlavka (formerly Western Springs, now Minneapolis)
September 12, 2014