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Michael Jay Ansfield
1945 - 2021
Michael Jay Ansfield
1945 - 2021
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Michael Ansfield Obituary
Michael Jay
Ansfield
January 21, 1945
August 16, 2021
Dr. Michael Ansfield died on Aug. 16, 2021, while being held and snuggled by his wife Molly, daughter Chelsea and sister Bobbi. He was truly a mensch. Raised in Milwaukee, he graduated Shorewood High School in 1963 and attended undergrad and medical school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He trained in hospitals in San Antonio and Galveston, Texas, and served two years in the public health service at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. He was a fellow at UCSF, working in clinical and research medicine at public hospitals in San Francisco. From 1982 until 2007 he had a pulmonology practice in Colorado Springs and was an intensivist in the ICU at Memorial Hospital. He was the kind of doctor other doctors wanted to be: knowledgeable, creative, kind, and constantly working to be better for patients. After retirement from his practice in 2007, he spent 8 years volunteering his time as an attending physician at UCSF, training new doctors to practice ICU medicine at the highest standard. From 2015-2020, he worked in the ICU at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California. His first marriage was to Linda, and they had a son, George. Mike later married Molly, and they were together nearly 30 years until his death. He was a prankster, the kind of guy who would eat the middles out of Oreos and then replace them. He had a magnetism that forgave any prank he played, and in fact, made everyone love him for it. He was larger than life, sharply focused on helping others. Truly the world is better because he was in it. He is survived by his wife Molly Ansfield, daughter Chelsea Dodgen (Justin Scheck), son George Ansfield (Tabitha), sisters Bobbi Marks, Alice Ansfield, and Amy Scott (Bill), grandsons Henry and Owen Scheck, and numerous nieces and nephews who miss him to pieces. A private service will be held. Donations can be made to Eagle Valley Land Trust (www.evlt.org). In memory of the great Dr. Michael Ansfield, please enjoy an Oreo cookie. But check it out first.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dona Soulek
August 14, 2025
I was employed as a part time secretary at hospital and remember how respectful he was Quite a respected physician and human being
Jacquie Baldwin
August 15, 2022
Have reflected on the memorial gathering many times this year and still feel the love of the event.
Thinking of you Molly on the one year anniversary and sending a hug to you and your family today.
Love you lots.
Bert and Barb Maguire
December 14, 2021
We were good friends with Mike while in the USPHS at Pine Ridge, SD. He was a great friend and hectic of a nice guy with a wonderful sense of humor.
We are very sorry to hear that he is gone.
Laura Feldman
October 2, 2021
Mike was kind, brilliant, funny. He truly made this world a better place. Condolences to Molly and rest of family.
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Ted Daughety
August 29, 2021
Mike and I were research fellows together at the Fort Miley VAH. I always thought he was the kindest and smartest guy in the room. I had reason once to ask him whether his memory was photographic, to which he hesitated only briefly before answering quietly, "I'm not sure yet." I am delighted to read that he returned to teaching at UCSF, as I know that many must have benefitted.
Sheryl Sundee
August 22, 2021
I worked with Dr Ansfield at Memorial Hospital, he was a great guy. Sending condolences and prayers to Molly and family. May he rest in peace. Today I will eat an oreo in his memory.
Dan Beilfuss
August 22, 2021
My condolences to Michael and his family. He lived a great life. What a beautiful obituary.
Inez Mahon
August 22, 2021
A Mensch indeed. Michael was such a fine man. He was a caring person, a physician who was smart, who treated all with dignity and compassion. He taught me about life and about how to look and listen and truly hear what others are saying or asking. He is my favorite doctor. He made such wonderful waves on earth. He is probably regaling the folks on the other side. Sincere condolences Molly and all Michael's family.
Patty Burke
August 22, 2021
I worked with De Ansfield at Memorial Hospital fro 1995 until he left. He was funny kind and brilliant. He will be terribly missed. Prayers for his family and friends.
Alma Luna
August 22, 2021
Sorry for your lose loved working with him . So funny
Deborah Bornholdt
August 21, 2021
I worked with Dr Ansfield in CCU at Memorial from 1991 until he left his practice in the Springs. He was always a bright spot in my day. Such a beautiful smile, and a mischievous grin! I would like to add that not only was he an oreo nut, he also liked to sample ice cream. Not at the counter of Michele's in downtown Colorado Springs, but in the doorway. He and Molly were coming in as my family and I were leaving with our cones in hand. He greeted us, asked what flavor I had chosen, then proceeded to take a nice bite of my dessert! We all had a great laugh at that one. He had my back on more than one occasion, and I am forever grateful for his knowledge and friendship. I believe he was one of the most respected physicians that I have ever had the privilege to work with. My sincere condolences to the family. Angels are smiling at your arrival, my friend.
Jacquie Baldwin
August 21, 2021
I am sorry for the loss of Michael. He is truely an example of living his life to the fullest. There are no dress rehearsals and I cannot think that he did anything other than living each day as a gift of time. Love you Mike and Molly. Your 30 years together (wow, by the way) were exceptionally well spent.
Lynn C Cahill-Hoy
August 21, 2021
I worked with Dr Ansfield in Memorial Hospital's ICU/CCU from 1984-93. Regarding my 41 year career as a nurse, if anyone would ask "who is the best physician you have worked with?" My answer would be Dr Michael Ansfield. He was not only extremely smart, but very compassionate, and always willing to teach others and helping then to expand their knowledge in the care of critically ill patients. Godspeed, Dr. Ansfield. You made this world a better place.
Mercedes Jordan
August 20, 2021
Having met such a great person, compassionate doctor and the funniest human being, have been a blessing in my life. I worked at Memorial ICU 2000-2005. Everyone loved Dr. Ansfield!
He will be terribly missed.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
Patty Marchlowska
August 20, 2021
Some of the greatest memories and definitely the biggest laughs were because of him- I worked with him at Memorial Hospital from 1997- 2006 and to say he was one of the funniest and wisest doctors wouldn´t be enough. He was compassionate and kind hearted as well as the greatest prankster with an MD I will ever know. He left his mark in this world and I am sure he is stirring up something in the next. Sending hugs and love to Molly and the rest of his family.
Katie Sanchez
August 20, 2021
I worked with Dr. Ansfield at Memorial CCU from 2000-2002. He was hands down the funniest, most compassionate, kind, knowledgeable physician on the unit. I will forever be grateful for knowing him. Blessings and peace to his family during this time.
Dona Soulek
August 20, 2021
My family will forever be thankful for Dr Ansfield´s expertise and above all kindness while my husband was under his care
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