Michael Virgil Ehresman
October 12, 1960 – March 29, 2026
Michael Virgil Ehresman (65) died peacefully at home on March 29, 2026 from a heart attack and COPD after years of cancer. He was born in Richfield, Minnesota in 1960 to Patricia McNallan and Virgil Ehresman.
Mike spent much of his childhood in Minnesota attending Annunciation Catholic School, often recalling fond memories of ice skating on the pond and riding his metal lunchbox downhill when traveling to and from school. At age 11, his parents packed up their Volkswagen van with all 7 kids and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a Boy Scout and received many badges and passed this knowledge on to his children.
He attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School (Class of 1979). While one of the smartest people in his class, his true passions included hockey, skiing, ceramics, and The Grateful Dead. Mike was a true rebel, often skipping class to spend time on the slopes; his transition sunglasses came in handy.
Mike attended the University of Utah, exploring his interests in mathematics, numerical analysis, as well as hardware and software design to potentially look into NASA work. He took a few entrepreneurial gap years, ultimately, deciding to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1986.
After graduation, he got his first job at Axonix Corporation, working on the cutting edge of medical technologies. In 1989, he became the Vice President of Quay Communications, helping create modems for major companies including Toshiba, IBM, HP, and AT&T.
Michael was one of the founding members and the senior design engineer of Apex Data Inc in Fremont, CA from 1992-2002. He was ahead of his time and was spearheading projects focusing on bluetooth and laptop modems. We all wish we had understood the technology he was developing and had invested early!
He considered his greatest accomplishment to be his children. Mike was married to Andrea Avery from 1995-2007. He adopted her daughter Anna, and they had Brian in 1996 and Emily in 1998. When Mike “retired” from Silicon Valley, the family moved to North Carolina in 2002. They bought a beautiful house with lots of room for horses and the kids could run in the yard. Over the ups and downs of the next two decades, Mike focused on his family and continued one of his favorite occupations as a stock trader. He also supported local artists with the tech needed to bring their vision to life. In his later years he took pride in working for Kellogg’s. (Every time you eat a Cheez-It, think of him!)
Michael valued his independence and being a free spirit, often saying “all roads lead to where you are going, it’s just a bigger circle.” He found solace and true joy in music. An avid fan of The Grateful Dead, Mike traveled hundreds of miles for shows. He would write down the setlist at every concert. Mike enjoyed high speed skiing and would often go backcountry to challenge himself. A favorite destination was Mt. Wolverine, Utah; his younger brother Dan often accompanying him.
Mike is survived by his three children: Anna Ehresman, Brian Ehresman, and Emily Ehresman; his grandchildren: Lillian (Lilly) Martin and Willow Martin; his five siblings and their families: 1. Mary Berger, her husband Jeff, and their children, Meghan and Keith; 2. Elizabeth (Beth) Ehresman and her children, Lorien and James; 3. Kathryn (Katie) Ehresman and her husband, David Lowe, and their child, Jesse; 4. Anne Ehresman and her husband, Kip Harkness, and their children, Anya and Finn; 5. John Ehresman; and his brother Dan’s child, Cambree Ehresman.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Patricia and Virgil Ehresman; his brother Daniel (Dan) Ehresman; and an unborn daughter Amelia Ehresman.
His ashes will be spread on Mt. Wolverine at his request.
“May the four winds blow you safely home” – The Grateful Dead
A memorial service will be held at Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third Street, Wendell, NC 27591 at 2pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com
3 Comments
I went to St Vincent’s and Judge Memorial with Michael! What a great life he had – Prayers and hugs to your family
Thank you Mike for being on our Earth for this lifetime, and thank you for the wonderful things you gave us, especially your children and grandchildren. I know they are all making this world a better place!
I remember Mike from St Vincents and Judge. My brother, Kris was in his class. I remember that he was super smart Him and Kris are probably up in heaven listening to the Grateful Dead with Dan. Sending love to all the family. Love especially to Kate. We had some good times
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