Douglas Mikel Elder

Mike was married to Nancy Amelia (Miller) Elder from 1966 until her passing in 2004. He is survived by his sons Chad (Anne) and Todd (Carey) Elder; his younger siblings Gwynne (Dave) Bonifield, Jeanne (Wayne) Miller, and Bill (Nancy) Elder; his grandchildren Mikel, Siena, Phoebe, Daphne, and Wesley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Ruth Elder and his brother Henry Elder.

Mike was born on January 5, 1941. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, Mike graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Kansas and received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Mike was a prominent radiologist in Topeka, Kansas, where he spent his entire career as a member of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine firm. He also served as the president of the Kansas Radiological Society. He became an expert in the field of mammography and helped save countless lives through the early detection of breast cancer.

Mike was an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks basketball team and was a regular at home games in Allen Fieldhouse for over 40 years, moving to Lawrence in retirement to be near the university. He was a lifelong scholar who continued to take college and graduate-level courses in French, German, literature, art history and astronomy. In retirement Mike traveled extensively, including living for months at a time in France and Germany. He also enjoyed boating, playing pool, and the simple pleasures of good food and drink with friends and family. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, whom he loved beyond measure.

Burial will take place at a private ceremony for immediate family in Gypsum, Kansas. A memorial service for all friends and family will take place in Lawrence, Kansas at a date and time to be determined, once it is safer for us to travel. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mike died peacefully in his sleep with his sons at his side. He touched the lives of many, and his numerous friends and loved ones will greatly miss him.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan. To leave an on-line condolence for the family please visit www.greastlansing.com.