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Michael Fuller Obituary
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It is with deep sadness that the family of Michael Fuller announces his passing at the age of 88. Mike peacefully left this world with Jeanine, his loving wife of 65 years, at his side. He checked himself into St. Joseph's Medical Center on Saturday, November 23rd and learned he had prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. He never left the hospital and died on November 29th.
Born on August 25th, 1936, in Butler County, Iowa, Mike was the fourth of Louis and Edna (Hoag) Fuller's five sons. He grew up in a close-knit family and developed a sense of integrity, strong work ethic, and a passion for life. Mike graduated from Grinnell High School and Iowa State Teachers' College. He earned a Masters Degree and a PHD from the University of Iowa and was thereafter an avid Hawkeye fan.
Mike was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Jeanine Baldwin, in 1959, and together they raised two children, Chris (Molly) and Chad (Lauren). Mike was a devoted grandfather to AJ, Casey, Sparrow and Hannah. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.
Mike worked tirelessly as an educator throughout his career. He taught in the School of Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for over 30 years, earning the Miami University Alumni Association Effective Educator of the Year Award in 1994. He was known not only for his professional achievements but also for his mentorship and support of students and colleagues. Mike and Jeanine moved from Oxford after retirement to live at the Carillon Lakes Retirement Community in Crest Hill, Illinois.
Mike was never bored. He had many hobbies including gardening, Ukrainian Easter egg decorating, knitting, Swedish embroidery, and refinishing furniture. Mike also loved to travel. He and Jeanine have visited all 50 states, traveled through more than sixty countries, and lived on four continents. Mike never met a stranger. Jeanine teased him by telling him to stop "fence posting" which meant talking to someone he didn't know. This came from Mike's claim that he would talk to a fence post if he thought the fence post would talk back.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Edna, his four brothers, Art (Sybil), Wally (Jean), Keith (Marjorie), and Charles (Lynne).
A visitation with the family will be held from 3:00-7:00 PM on Monday, December 9th at the Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, 21131 West Renwick Road, Crest Hill, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 10th at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois. Following the service, there will be a reception at the Mistwood Golf Course, 1700 West Renwick Road, Romeoville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choosing in Mike's memory.
Mike will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a generous man with many talents and convictions and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of sharing their lives with him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Glenys Williams
August 20, 2025
Missing a very special friendGlenys
Nick Wilson
July 19, 2025
Doc Fuller was my social studies methodology professor in the spring semester of 1977 at Miami. It was the hardest 2 semester hour "C" I ever earned, I still remember the emphasis he put on problem-solving and critical thinking. Doc always challenged us and I know I was a better teacher for it. I was lucky to work with Doc again from 1983-84 as his graduate assistant. During that time Doc never treated me as a "gopher" but as a fellow professional, even allowing me to take on an instructional role in his undergraduate courses. I remember once when we were sitting around in his office just shooting the breeze after class and he looked at me and said, "Nick, you're a lot smarter than your GPA indicates." I got the chance to visit with a couple of times after I transitioned to higher education myself.
Ryan Denney
July 9, 2025
Dr. Fuller was my SS methods professor and advisor at Miami from 99-03. He was one of a kind. In fact I was in his class when the twin towers were hit. He was gruff but funny, and that suited me fine. He was great to offer guidance and advice. He taught me how to play racquetball at the rec center. In the years following whenever I met another SS teacher from Miami the question would always come up "are you a Fuller-ite" which would always elicit a good natured laugh and swapping of Doc Fuller stories. He taught and inspired hundreds if not thousands of educators, myself being one. I´m glad he was my teacher. RIP Dr. Fuller, and thank you.
Ryan Denney, PhD
Steve Couch
March 25, 2025
I was sad to see this week that Doc Fuller passed away last November. I was a Social Studies Education major at Miami from 1989-1993 taking my classes at the iconically named McGuffey Hall. I served as an undergraduate fellow for Doc and also was the President for the Miami Council for the Social Studies for 1992-93. I found Doc to be a cantankerous, opinionated, but fun and supportive mentor that taught me what it really means to be a social studies teacher - to create active, engaged, thoughtful citizens. When I was a young history buff, I thought the goal was to tell kids great stories about Civil War engagements and they would be as fascinated as I was. I distinctly remember challenging him on that point in an epic class where I was appalled - appalled, I say - that teens wouldn't want to hear about some Union engagement in Virginia. My less brave, more conservative friends egged me on to challenge him when he dismissed that as useless information. "Isn't that what I should be doing?" I asked incredulously. "NO!" he shouted and pointed at me. "That is not your JOB!" Lol. I never forgot that exchange. And, of course, like everything else (usually!), he was absolutely right. I still use his Farming On the Frontier simulation 30 years later in my history classes. I am still working on helping support the development of active, engaged, thoughtful citizens. I suspect he would be entertained - and pleased - to know how much trouble that gets me in from time to time lol. Thanks, Doc.
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Dennis Newell
March 6, 2025
Dr. Fuller was a special person in my life and I was unaware of his passing. I had him in class at Miami and later on would invite him to present at in service programs at my school. I´ve recently retired after a career in education of over 34 years. Dr.Fuller in a very real sense made my career possible. Rest in peace Mike. DRN
Ladd Beck
February 9, 2025
Doc was my adviser, methods instructor, student teacher supervisor, and became my friend starting in 1975. As I was graduating from Miami I sought his advice on whether to take a teaching position or to go to night law school. His advice to take the risk and not to play it safe has guided me ever since. We kept in touch for the next 50 years and every conversation revolved around our families. I talked to him last when we joked about a social studies teacher becoming the Vice President. The sad emotion I felt when I learned of his passing took me back to my Dad passing. Doc I will miss you. Ladd Beck
Chris Knerr
January 24, 2025
I'm incredibly sad to have read of Dr. Fuller's passing. He was an outstanding teacher in every respect, particularly his ability to connect with his students. I can remember doing my best work for him, not because I wanted a great grade but because I didn't want to let him down. My most vivid memory of Dr. Fuller was my final exam in the spring of my senior year. I got my times messed up, and when I returned to my apartment, my roommate told me that Dr. Fuller had called and asked me to call him back. When I phoned him, he told where to go and gave me extra time to complete the final. I remember a conversation we had after I was done. I asked him why he took the time to call and me and allow me to take the final. I'll never forget his response. With a great big Fuller smile, he sad, "Never screw a kid over." I took it to heart, and over the course of my 30 years in the classroom, I've done my best to go above and beyond to love and to help my students out. He was the best.
Deb Wadden
January 23, 2025
Dr. Fuller was one of my favorite professors in the late 70s. I still remember him fondly. He was dynamic, interesting, and had a great sense of humor. It sounds like he lived a great life. Know that he made a positive difference in mine. (I also student taught in Chad's kindergarten class.)
Dave
January 1, 2025
I tried looking you up the past few years, but was not able to find you online. I was sad to hear of your passing and did not get a chance to say thank you for the time you gave me. Like many, I was a students in your methods class in the mid-90's. You were my advisor too. We didn't always see eye to eye on politics and faith, but the conversations were never dull. Lol. I never bought GilIette Razor stock either, but I hope you made some money there:) It is a blessing to see that you enjoyed your final years with your beautiful family and fun hobbies. I will always have fond memories of your class and my time at Miami. Thank you! Blessings and prayers to your entire family. Rest in peace Dr. Fuller.
Lisa Marshall
December 11, 2024
Jeanine and family, Mike was a wonderful guy that I always enjoyed talking with and working with at St. John. May God surround you with love as you go through this difficult time.
Lisa Marshall
Ivette Castillo
December 7, 2024
Mr. Fuller was always ready for good conversation, especially about politics. We would see him whenever we traveled for Thanksgiving. We will miss him at table and will honor his memory with a good game of Trivial Pursuit. Sending prayers to Chad and Chris and their families.
David Bailey
December 5, 2024
Doc was a great teacher and he cared deeply about his students. I was a social studies ed major in the 90s and Doc was my advisor. When I decided that I wanted to go to law school, I was on a 4.5 year plan at Miami. My last semester, the fall of my fifth year, would have been student teaching. However, Doc helped me get a waiver, so that I could graduate (as a secondary ed major!) without student teaching - meaning I could graduate in four years and move on to law school. He did not need to do that for me, and I only knew it was possible because he suggested it. He went out of his way to help me, and had a big impact on my life. I am lucky to have known him, as were so many other Miami students.
Connie Mittermaier
December 4, 2024
Jeanine, Chris, & Chad, My heart is sad at learning of Mike´s passing. I have fond memories of your family from our Oxford days and association at Faith. May you feel peace and comfort from Jesus´ unfailing love for us. Connie Mittermaier
Eric Baldwin
December 2, 2024
Mike Fuller is my Dad´s (Roger Baldwin) brother-in-law, Jeanine is my Dads Sister / my Aunt. Mike was such a great guy! He was always smiling and always had something a little witty funny to say - was intelligent and just easy to be around. We always looked forward to seeing Mike and the Fuller family at family get togethers. For some reason Mike always reminded me of my Grandpa Baldwin (ROGER BALDWIN) they had a few similar characteristics, movements and actions and similar demeanors. Around Easter time - I always looked forward to seeing Mikes pretty Easter eggs.
Mike was a great uncle and will be missed.
RIP Mike!
Love - Eric and Janell Baldwin, Amana, IA
Kerry Davis
December 2, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. The Fuller Family will be in our prayers
Thornbery
December 2, 2024
I was so sorry to hear of Doc's passing. He was my methods professor and academic advisor at Miami in the late 1990s. He impacted my life by teaching me what it takes to be a good teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
John McCabe Jr.
December 1, 2024
Mike was a man of great integrity and good will. His guidance is evident in his two sons and their families. Our love and prayers to Jeanine and family. Jack McCabe
Glenys WIlliams
December 1, 2024
My first meeting with Mike was at a pub in Armidale Australia where we met to discuss bringing a group of students from Miami University to Australia. I knew immediately we would be friends for life. This meeting was the beginning of very special friendship with Mike and Jeanine. I feel so honored he has been such an important part of my life. Special friends are so hard to find but when you achieve this there is nothing better. I feel so sad today but have so many memories of visits to their homes in the US and travelling with them in Australia and the USA. My thoughts are with Jeanine and their family. He will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched throughout the world. Glenys Williams
Jon Kuehnle
December 1, 2024
Doc (even though you always told me to call you Mike; you're always "Doc" to me), I barely have words....
You were a second father to me, and one of the most important people in my life. Thank you for taking me under your wing during my five years at Miami University. You were my advisor, boss, friend, and teacher. You inspired me to be an educator and a father. Your guidance and the example you set left an indelible impression. Today, I am a veteran educator and the best father I can be, and that is, in no small part, thanks to you.
I appreciated our occasional phone calls and online interactions. You never stopped caring just because I graduated, and you always took a genuine interest in me, my family, and my career. You were such a proud family man. I never tired hearing about your wife and your boys.
Wherever your spirit may be now, I'm sure it's enjoying a cold, crisp can of Hudy Gold while raging against our politics and leaders! You will be terribly missed, but know this--you made a difference. Your life mattered. You left this world a better place than when you entered it. Like a stone cast into a pond, your ripples extended outward, in all directions. Like that story you liked to tell about the person throwing starfish back into the ocean, you made a life-changing difference for everyone you touched.
I love you, Doc. Go Miami, and go Hawkeyes!
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