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BORN
1935
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
1264 N. Great Neck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Michael Ilsemann Obituary
Virginia Beach - Michael "Mike" Ilsemann, 80, passed August 2, 2016. A beloved father, grandfather and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, scholarship, service and love of family.
Mike was born in China, where his father was stationed as an officer with the US Navy. Continuing the family tradition of military service, Mike graduated from West Point in 1957, launching a 21-year career with the US Army. He retired as Lt. Colonel after receiving numerous military honors, including the Purple Heart, and then worked as a defense contracting executive in northern Virginia. A man of Catholic faith, Mike prayed, studied and reflected daily, and devoted much time and energy to helping others through charity, volunteerism and personal mentoring.
Mike is survived by his son Michael Ilsemann of Tampa; daughters Kristen Fenty of Virginia Beach and Kathryn Bower of Alexandria. His family cherishes many fond memories with "Grandfather," who will be greatly missed by many.
More on Mike's life and funeral services may be found at www.hollomon-brown.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ilsemann
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5 Entries
Patrick G. Lally
August 5, 2022
God rest your soul, Mike and those of all the men of the 14th Field.
Mike and Sharon Stephens
August 25, 2016
Mike was a fellow Knight and friend. We moved to the Peninsula 2 years ago and sadly didn't realize Mike was in the area so we could catch up on old times. We will be miss Mike.
Mike and Sharon Stephens
Mike Stephens Jr.
August 24, 2016
Mike was an inspiration and mentor to me. Mike had the kindness to help me get my 1st internship at SAIC - which started me on a successful career path. Later in my career - when I moved into leadership roles I would often think of Mike and strive to emulate his communication and strategic thinking skills.
God Bless and hold you in the palm of his hand Mike!
August 24, 2016
Rest in Peace, Mike, from Patrick Lally of the old 14th Field Artillery
Joseph Ruscavage
August 11, 2016
We were blessed to have great aunts and uncles who made our lives special. Uncle Mike was always a big part of our family as he was a frequent caller and visitor who was always interested in and proud of all the many things we were involved in. Being the youngest children on the Ilsemann side of the family we always looked forward to seeing our Uncle Mike and our cousins. I can only remember one visit to Virginia as kids but I clearly remember him taking all of us to Great Adventure and our first ride on the log flume. As we grew older he continued to be a presence in our lives and whenever he visited he would brag on the accomplishments of our now adult cousins Michael, Kristen and Kathy and then all of his grandchildren. When our father died he was a great help to my mother Mary and as she became ill with cancer he was always willing to come up to New Jersey to help if needed. We were very fortunate to get to visit with him in Virginia Beach in recent years and he was great comfort when our mother passed last August and we are so happy that we got to see him one last time in June in Hilton Head with our Aunt Eleanor as we put my mother's ashes next to our father's. We are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful uncle and we are very proud of who he was as a person, as a father and as a soldier. God Bless you Uncle Mike. We will miss you. Joe, Michele and Michael Ruscavage
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Funeral services provided by:
Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home & Crematory - Great Neck Chapel1264 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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