Michael grew up in Albion, Nebraska and attended District 7 and St. Michael’s School through eighth grade and graduated from Albion High School. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He then earned a Doctor of Osteopathy in 1974 from The College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. Further training included an Adult Psychiatry Residency at Eisenhower Army Hospital in Fort Gordon, Georgia; a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C; and a Forensic Fellowship in Baltimore, Maryland.
Michael went on to have a 47-year career as a psychiatrist, first proudly serving his country for more than 30 years in the U.S. Army and then in community mental health. His military career included service in South Korea and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. He retired as a Colonel in 2008. Michael was a skilled practitioner who thoroughly enjoyed providing psychiatric services for adults, adolescents and children and working alongside mental health professionals in both Florida and Georgia until his death. He deeply cared for the well-being of children, and his professional life was defined by his tireless advocacy on their behalf.
He was an avid college sports fan (Go Cornhuskers and Spartans!), loved to keep fit, and was always up for a culinary adventure. Michael’s dry sense of humor brought smiles to the faces of the family and friends who could pick up on his wit. Above all, the joy of Michael’s life was watching his only child grow up and have a beautiful family of her own.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jody; his beloved daughter, Rebecca; son-in-law, Matthew; grandchildren: Riley, Quinn and Harper; his first wife, Greta; brother, John Vandewalle and sister-in-law, Sandra and their children and grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Janet and her children and grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother, James Vandewalle.
A funeral mass and memorial service will be held this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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