Mike Herrnstein

William Michael (Mike) Herrnstein, age 62, passed away on November 3, 2023. Mike was born December 9, 1960 in Newport News, Virginia to Susanne (Goldsberry) Herrnstein and William Henry Herrnstein III. Mike grew up in Ohio where he made his commitment to supporting the "mostly alright" football team, the Bengals. Before his injury, Mike studied at Washington and Lee University and Ohio State University and received a degree in Agriculture Economics. He then moved to Arizona and opened a plant nursery. In July 1985, Mike sustained a spinal cord injury diving into a lake while on a camping trip. He was paralized from this injury and became a life-long quadreplegic. Following his injury, he went back to school and studied Biomedical Engineering at Wright State University. He then moved to San Diego, California in 1993 and worked at Cox as a Technical Support Representative. He developed a commitment to supporting another "mostly alright" baseball team, the Padres. In September 16, 2000, Mike married Roselyn Jacobson, a caregiver from Capiz, Philippines. Beating all odds, they had their first child, Sara Herrnstein, in June 2001. They then had their second child, Daniel Herrnstein, in May 2003 making their first child's birth less miraculous. Mike was an active member at Penasquitos Lutheran Church participating in programs such as the Prayer Ministry, Stevens Ministry, Bible Study, and Alpha. He was also involved in the volunteer organization San Diego Rescue Mission in downtown San Diego. Additionally, Mike has been a long time contributor to many charities and organizations including World Vision, ZOE International, and The A-21 Campaign. To add to the list of charities, Mike founded the Herrnstein-Jacobson Christmas charity in 2020 providing meals for over 500 families in Capiz, Philippines. Mike is survived by parents Susanne (Goldsberry) Herrnstein and William Henry Herrnstein III; two sisters Anne Morris (Stuart) and Karis Freije (Edward); Ex-Wife Roselyn Jacobson (Paul); children Sara Herrnstein and Daniel Herrnstein; nieces Kelli Morris and Jasmine Shoemaker (Troy); nephews Jay Morris, Andrew Morris (Brook), and Mark Freije. Mike was a loving Father, son, brother, and friend. Through his words and actions, Mike showed his unwavering devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A celebration of life will be held at Penasquitos Lutheran Church at 11am, Friday, December 22, 2023.