Michael Leppert was an anesthesiology resident at the University of Florida beginning in 1983. He passed away after a long struggle with cholangiocarcinoma. According to another former UF Anesthesiology resident, Tom Guyton (’91), “He [Michael] was well known for his rapier wit and compassionate care.”
The following is his obituary as published in The Commercial Appeal on April 11, 2018:
William Michael “Mike” Leppert, MD, of Germantown, TN, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 8, 2018. He was 63.
A Germantown native born to Billy and Carol Leppert, Mike graduated from Germantown High School, attended Memphis State University, and would go on to further his education at the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee. Mike then completed his residency at the University of Florida with a focus in Anesthesiology, and performed additional training at the Texas Heart Institute. Mike was proud to practice with the Medical Anesthesia Group (MAG) for over 30 years within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, and found joy in the opportunity to work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 12 years.
Mike’s greatest joys came from his family, and he loved more than anything being a husband, father, and “Dadoo” to his grandchildren. He was married to his wife, best friend, and love of his life, Lynn, for over 39 years. Married July 1, 1978 at Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Mike and Lynn raised three children in a loving, Christian household, and he instilled in them his discipline, work ethic, humility, and infectious sense of humor.
For those who knew him well, they knew that Mike “never met a stranger,” and fondly remember the respect he brought to every person he met, no matter their walk of life. His firm handshake, introduction, and willingness to truly get to know someone was without question one of his greatest attributes. Mike also had a remarkable and insatiable hunger for knowledge, and was constantly seen reading and learning about new things each and every day. He was always eager and happy to solve a problem or answer a question, was a talented story-teller, and had an innate ability to always leave you with a laugh and a smile on your face.
Mike’s passions and hobbies were reading, learning, riding horses at his sister’s ranch, walking on a beach, going to movies, and attending his children’s sporting events. He was without a doubt their biggest fan, and would move mountains to ensure they had the greatest opportunities both on and off the field of competition.
Mike was a man who loved God, a loving and faithful husband, a strong and caring father, an endearing and goofy “Dadoo” to his grandchildren, a loyal friend, and a brilliant and gifted physician. He was surrounded by love and joy not because of his accomplishments, but because of the way he treated and loved those around him. He was an incredibly generous man, and more often than not, he ensured that his generosity was done “behind-the-scenes” so as to draw the attention away from himself.
Mike is survived by his wife, Lynn Leppert; his children, Blair White, John Michael Leppert, and Leah Allers; his grandchildren, Ava and Greyson White, and Lincoln and Beckett Allers; his parents, Billy and Carol Leppert; and his siblings, Joe Leppert, Christine Prince, Jenny Ferguson, Lauren Grubbs, and Pat Leppert.
A visitation to celebrate the life of Mike Leppert was held on Saturday, April 14th, 2018, at Germantown Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will followed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choosing, in honor of Mike.