Amherst, MA – Michael David Ortiz of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 18th following a battle with ALS, surrounded by family. Mike was born on September 8, 1959, in Illinois, and spent his formative years in Waunakee, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Iran hostage crisis, and upon his return earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His son Shane was born in February 1983. Mike relocated to Amherst, Massachusetts, where he and Audrey Altstadt welcomed Elizabeth in April 1996. Mike taught social studies at Palmer High School, and coached Palmer's tennis and cross-country teams. Mike adored his children and took special pride in summer trips with them and his grandkids to the Wisconsin Dells to enjoy the water parks.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie. He is survived son Shane (Megan) Dorn, grandchildren Daelan, Navelle, and Nakora Dorn, daughter Elizabeth (Luke), father Robert (Lesley), and many loving friends and family. His zest for life will be missed!
A service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hadley, MA on the 4th of July at 10:30 am, followed by a reception. For the full obituary, please go to DouglassFuneral.com.
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