Michael Damm

1940 - 2025

Michael Damm

November 21, 1940 - July 27, 2025

Michael George Damm of Madison, Wisconsin, died on Friday, June 27, 2025, at age 84.

Mike and his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann (Minar), had six children and ten grandchildren. Mike was dedicated to his family, always making them his top priority.

Mike was born on November 21, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, to John T. and Mary Elizabeth (Sacksteder) Damm. He grew up in Flushing, Michigan. During his years in Michigan, Mike spent many enjoyable summers with his sister and four brothers at their family's lake house on Platte Lake, where he enjoyed water skiing, swimming, fishing, and the occasional boyhood shenanigans.

Mike attended St. Procopius College (now Illinois Benedictine University) in Lisle, Illinois, where he met his wife, Mary Ann, who was attending Rosary College. After college, Mike attended Loyola University Medical School in Chicago.

Following his graduation from Loyola Medical School, Mike and Mary Ann and their (then) two children, Michael and Jackie, moved to Detroit where Mike did his internship at Henry Ford Hospital. From there, Mike was drafted into the Army at the rank of Captain, and stationed at a US Army Hospital in Berlin, Germany. Mike and Mary Ann had two more children, Jennifer and Chris, in Berlin.

After his discharge from the Army in 1969, Mike and Mary Ann settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where Mike completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology, with a focus on neuroradiology, at the University of Wisconsin. They had two more children in Madison – Jeff and Tim.

After completing his radiology residency, Mike worked as a Diagnostic Radiologist at Madison General Hospital for over 30 years, navigating many different technological advances in his field as well as various hospital and health system mergers and affiliations. A former colleague shared these thoughts about him: "The radiology community had the utmost respect for Dr. Mike Damm. Words shared upon news of his passing had several themes. He was a very talented physician, a man of unwavering integrity, and a kind soul who made the world better simply by being in it."

Mike loved to travel, especially to natural areas. He and Mary Ann visited 44 different US National Parks together and took their family on some epic driving/camping adventures across the United States and Canada. He loved the outdoors and living an active lifestyle.

Mike had a smile and a joke for everyone he met. His kind, steady, and upbeat nature made those around him feel supported and reassured. Mike was quick to lend a hand, and always, always showed up. Mike had a strong moral compass; he treated everyone with respect and dignity, modeling integrity in everything he did.

Mike was dedicated to his family, passing along his values and wisdom to his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite things was making them all laugh. In his later years he focused his considerable attention and energy on his grandchildren – any day spent with any or all of them was the best day ever.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of strong relationships, laughter, and love.

Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann (Minar); children, Michael (Sharon Spain), Jackie (John Groener, deceased), Jennifer (Mike Philbin), Christopher, Jeffrey (Amber Place), and Tim; grandchildren, M.C. Damm, Juway Damm, Malcolm Damm (Danyell Haynes), Sean Philbin, George Philbin, Chloe Damm, Sylvie Damm, Jonah Damm, Ava Damm, and Ezra Damm, his sister Susan Damm-Fultz, and his brothers Steve Damm and Peter Damm.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Mary Elizabeth (Sacksteder) Damm, his brothers John Damm and Thomas Damm, his grandson Timothy Pharoah Damm, and his son-in-law John Groener.

Visitation will be on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI, from 5 to 7 p.m. Celebration of Life will be on Monday, July 7, 2025, also at Cress Funeral Home on Speedway. Gathering will start at 10 a.m. and Celebration to start at 11 a.m.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Mike's name to the International Crane Foundation, E11376 Shady Lane Road, Baraboo, WI 53913, www.savingcranes.org. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road Madison

608-238-3434