Michael A. J. Ihlenfeldt

Michael A. J. Ihlenfeldt, 82, of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born during the war in Hameln, Germany on November 27, 1942, to Walter Paul and Benedikta Dagmar Marie (Von Hake) Ihlenfeldt.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Annette; nephew, Alexander (Lisa); 2 nieces, Marina (Geoff) and Nora (Brett), all of Queensland, Australia.
Also surviving is his long-time friend and companion for over 17 years, David Tegg of Peoria, to whom he was a steadfast and loyal friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, Christian, and his half sister, Victoria.
After his father died, Michael's mother took him and his older brother down to Cape Town, South Africa to start a new life. In South Africa, he developed a passion for mountain climbing and hiking.
Michael received his Bachelor's degree at the University of Cape Town, South Africa in 1966, followed by his Master's in 1968. He went on to earn a PhD at Cornell University in New York, graduating in 1974. He later earned his M.D. at the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in 1984. He became board eligible for the American Board of Anesthesiology in 1987.
Michael was an anesthesiologist working in the Peoria area for many years at Methodist, Proctor, and Pekin Hospitals, as well as a brief time in Streator, Illinois. He retired in 2010.
Michael was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Sigma Xi Research Honors Society. He was fluent in English, German,and Afrikaans, along with a working knowledge of Spanish and Italian.
During his life, he frequently traveled, which he loved to do, visiting friends in Cape Town, Europe, and Canada. In 2007, he traveled to Tibet, making it up to the base camp of Mt. Everest. His favorite place of all to visit was Venice, Italy.
Michael enjoyed playing the piano and working in his garden. He also very much enjoyed opera and classical music, often attending local performances. He also funded a ten-year scholarship program for opera at his alma mater, the University of Cape Town, which was one of countless acts of generosity Michael showed to others throughout his life.
He loved dogs, with his dog, Molly, being a particular favorite. Michael will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS). Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.