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Dr. Michael Dee Iseman

1939 - 2022

Dr.  Michael Dee Iseman obituary, 1939-2022, Denver, CO

BORN

1939

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery

8600 East Hampden Ave

Denver, Colorado

Michael Iseman Obituary

Iseman, Dr. Michael Dee

March 3, 1939 - November 20, 2022

Dr. Michael Dee Iseman, 83, of Denver, CO, passed away on November 20, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. Mike was born on March 3, 1939 to Manny and Eileen Iseman in St. Paul, MN. He and his younger sister, Toni, spent their formative years in Fremont, NE, where he met his wife to be, Joan, when they were in junior high (he was the only boy taller than she was). He earned a history degree from Princeton University followed by a medical degree from Columbia Physicians and Surgeons. Mike served two years in the US Navy in Hawaii, after which he settled down in Denver, CO to raise his family and practice medicine. Mike was an accomplished athlete and took lifelong joy from sports. He excelled in high school, earning all-state honors in four sports and being named Nebraska High School Athlete of the Year, and later being inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. As an All-American football player, Mike was heavily recruited, including a visit from Army football legend Doc Blanchard and a call from the Governor of Nebraska, telling him it was his "patriotic duty" to play for Nebraska. In the end, he chose Princeton University because the coach's wife promised to bake him chocolate chip cookies every week (and she did). He starred on the Tiger football team, lettered in track, and won a restaurant's competitive eating contest by downing nine hamburgers in 10 minutes (after eating full lunches at two dining halls on campus earlier that day). At Columbia he took up rugby, being named to the All-Decade Rugby team and the legendary Old Blue Hall of Fame. In his 40s, he was persuaded to try crew and went on to win a masters world championship with the esteemed Team YOFRA. Even in his 70s, Mike was often spotted pumping iron at the Greenwood Athletic Club.When he wasn't playing, he was coaching or cheering, helming his sons' Little League teams and taking them to Chili's after the game, win or lose. He was a lifelong Denver baseball fan, supporting the Bears and Zephyrs before being a 25-year season ticket holder of the Rockies. His passion for sport led him to exchange emails with the Rockies' owner for over 10 years, proposing trades, scouting the farm system and discussing the merits of bunting at Coors Field. But he was more than a jock. Mike served on the faculty for the University of Colorado Medical School and headed up the Tuberculosis program at National Jewish Hospital. Over his career, he traveled to thirty-eight countries, 47 states and wrote the definitive textbook on the subject. His career accolades include being named one of America's Top Doctors for over a decade, being inducted into the Halls of Fame for the American Thoracic Society and his hospital, National Jewish. But, more important than the accolades, were the patients. He often dealt with the most challenging cases from around the country, people who had exhausted treatment options elsewhere. He prided himself on making patients feel more human and treating them with dignity and empathy. The holidays were marked with cards from countless people thanking Mike for giving them another chance at life. He was also a great husband and father. He married Joan Christensen in 1963 and they went on to have two children, Thomas and Matthew. Whenever he got home from work, he'd play catch with his boys till the sun went down. Mike learned to keep score while attending his sons' games so he wouldn't question the ocular ability of the officials. Mike always made clear that his greatest blessing was, without question, Joan. She made their home, raised the boys and nurtured him, and managed their finances. As he said, "I had my medical career, and she did everything else." 59 years of marriage and she remained his best friend and breakfast buddy (they had a regular table at Perkins!). Mike was blessed by fortunate affiliations and friendships throughout all phases of his life: in Nebraska, where he learned values, foundation, and family; at Princeton, where he made lasting friendships and he was a trustee for the University; in the Navy, where he served out of Pearl Harbor and later in the National Guard in Colorado (where he took great pride in his marksmanship); and at National Jewish, where he cared for patients and helped to build a nationally recognized program in pulmonary medicine.

Mike is survived by wife, Joan; sister, Toni; sons, Matt and Tom; daughter-in-law, Alexandra; and granddaughter, Claire.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at the Village Club in Denver on Thursday, December 15th, from 1-5pm with words of remembrance at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to National Jewish Hospital (https://donate.nationaljewish.org). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Iseman family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Omaha World-Herald on Nov. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Mary Solida

January 5, 2023

I was an RN at National Jewish for 23 years. When I started in the Adult Clinic in 1989, I was hired by the Occupational Medicine MD's to cover their clinic 1 day/week, & then I covered the "Rotating MD's" the other 4 days of the week. The "Rotating MD's" were attending MD'S who covered in the adult clinic for 1 month at a time to help lessen the back log of out of state patients. Dr. Iseman was one of the Rotating MD's, and what a rare priviledge it was to get to know him professionally as well as personally. He was the consumate practitioner, so very valued & appreciated by his patients because he treated them in such a down to earth, kind, and calming manner. He taught me so very much. He often tried to get me to work on 2 Goodman, but I was hooked on Occupational Medicine. Years later toward the end of my time at National Jewish, I helped cover the Infectious Disease Clinic, & Dr. Iseman would be in clinic on occasion. We would reminisce about our time together in the Rotating MD Clinic & remember fondly the patients we shared ~ and he would again try to recruit me to 2 Goodman. I will remember him always as the gentle giant of a doctor who exuded healing wherever he went no matter who he was with. I was deeply saddened to hear not only of his passing, but that it occured on the same month & date as my dear husband ~ on 11/20, but my husband died of metastatic lung cancer in 2008. I've thought about Dr. Iseman often since I left National Jewish in 2010. He left his mark on both the professionals he worked with, as well as the hundreds of patients and their families he so kindly served over the span of his great career. There will never be another Dr. Iseman. I know I was forever be touched by the unique way he practiced medicine and will always fondly remember him. My heart goes out to you, his dear family. I can only vaguely imagine the loss you are enduring in his absence. I will pray that you may find peace in his precious memory and solace in the many lives he touched over his truly remarkable lifetime. I found a quote from an Eskimo legend shortly after my husband died that I have always treasured ~ I hope it helps you feel a bit closer to Dr. Iseman. "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." I've found amazing comfort in star gazing since my husband's passing. It is my sincere hope that you, his dear family, will also find solace in the stars.
Mary Solida

Kara (Foster) Haines Wood

December 15, 2022

My deepest condolences to Dr. Iseman's family. He was an expectional human! Full of compassion and empathy. Dr. Iseman walked beside me and my family during a long, painful health journey. He always took time to listen, answer questions and provide support. Dr. Iseman even came in to do my treatment on Christmas Day so his nursing staff could be home with their families. I want to thank his family for supporting him as he supported others. He had such a big heart and love for patients and those he worked with. I will never forget Dr. Iseman! He will always hold a special place in my heart.

Gary Owens

December 1, 2022

Mike was a remarkable man in so many ways. Like so many others, I was honored to call him my friend. Gary Owens, FHS 1957

June Chase-Westphal

November 30, 2022

I did not know Dr. Iseman but he was a friend of my brother in law Neil Westphal and my knew him too. When Steve was diagnosed with ARDS he spoke with Neil and called me at the hospital to relay things to our ID people. Helped save his life and I was eternally grateful for 15 more years with Steve although he passed in 2019. I am so sorry for his loss and with him his kindness to me. I will never forget that. Thank you for your service in the Navy and your profession.

Harold Nelson

November 29, 2022

Mike had a strong presence wherever he was. I will always cherish the great visit we had at one of our school reunions.

VFW DISTRICT 10 /FRA BRANCH 276 CHAPLAIN

November 29, 2022

Thank you for your Service May you be Granted Calm Seas and Steady winds to carry you to an Honorable Resting Peace

Judith Cochran, RN, BS, retired

November 27, 2022

I had the privilege of working with Mike at NJ for many years as an RN: Head Nurse on the TB unit and later as the coordinator of the ID consult service. He was brilliant, funny, kind, thoughtful, and a gentleman at all times. No other physician I ever worked with in my 50+ year career was ever as supportive of me as a nurse. He set the most amazing example of mutual respect. I will never forget him. Blessings of peace and comfort to his family.

Jamie Spears

November 27, 2022

I worked with Mike at National Jewish for many yrs as a Social Worker. He was by far the most compassionate human being and his patients loved him.
He made huge contributions to the medical community in tuberculosis.
I will never forget him!
My peace hug your hearts and hold it gently...
Jamie Spears

Marc S

November 27, 2022

Thank you for your military service

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Memorial Events
for Michael Iseman

Dec

15

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Village Club

Denver, NE

Dec

15

Service

3:00 p.m.

Village Club

Denver, NE

Funeral services provided by:

Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery

8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231

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