Michael David Ortiz
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Published in April 2026
Michael David Ortiz of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 18th following a battle with ALS, surrounded by family. Mike was born in the Fall of 1959, the first child of Robert and Bonnie Provart Ortiz in Pinckneyville, Illinois. He spent his early childhood in Southern Illinois, before moving to Urbana, Illinois when he was two. The family later relocated to Waunakee, Wisconsin. In high school, Mike was active playing the trumpet in the school band, running cross-country, and as the unofficial adventure coordinator for his large group of friends. In 1978, he joined the U.S. Navy and served four years, playing trumpet in the Naval band and working as the ship’s photographer aboard the USS Ainsworth, a fast frigate that traveled to the Persian Gulf during the Iran hostage crisis period.
After returning from the Navy, Mike earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His first child, Shane, was born in February 1983. Mike later moved to Amherst, Massachusetts, where he and Audrey Altstadt welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, in April 1996. There, Mike taught social studies at Palmer High School, which was not a surprise to most, as he was voted most likely to ‘teach history’ while in high school! Mike was a passionate sports fan and athlete playing tennis, completing many triathlons, including two Devils Lake Challenges twenty-five years apart with his brothers. He parlayed his love for sports into the field of coaching and worked with the Palmer High School, boys’ and girls’ tennis teams as well as the boys’ cross-country team. He also had an eclectic music taste, ranging from Queen and Black Sabbath to Mozart – though the Beatles were his favorite. He often listened exclusively to the Beatles radio on long road trips. He shared this passion for music with his daughter Elizabeth, and loved when the two of them shared the stage singing with the Hampshire Choral Society and Young People’s Chorus. He was always enthusiastic about new artistic opportunities, singing and acting in Les Misérables and the Man of La Mancha, and even joining Elizabeth in a production of the Nutcracker as a father in the party scene.
Mike loved talking about history and geography with his (mostly interested) kids, nieces, and nephews. He also remembered the dates of every family trip and age of every relative! He adored his children and took special pride in summer trips with them and his grandkids to the Wisconsin Dells to enjoy the water parks — who had more fun is still up for debate! Mike cared deeply for his family, always taking a sincere interest in their lives and passions.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie. He is survived by his son Shane (Megan) Dorn, grandchildren Daelan, Navelle, and Nakora Dorn, daughter Elizabeth (Luke), father Robert (Lesley), Brother Steve (Colleen), Sister Linda, Brother Doug (Sandra), nieces and nephews Jesse, Ali, Corey, Suzanne, Rebecca, Lauren and Makenna, 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.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Compassionate Care ALS: ccals.org or mail to: Compassionate Care ALS PO 1052 W. Falmouth, Ma. 02574