Michael “Mike” Gaisbauer passed away on January 20, 2024, at the age of 69 in Dallas, Texas. He courageously battled complications from a portal vein thrombosis for years. It eventually damaged his liver beyond repair. Throughout his battle he remained active, playing soccer, taking care of home and farm properties, and working with his herd of more than 40 cows.
Mike was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas on December 25, 1954. He moved with his family to Dallas and attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary and then Jesuit College Preparatory in Dallas where he graduated with honors. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He worked for several years at Southwestern Medical School before enrolling at the Cox School of Business at SMU where he earned a Master of Business Administration.
Mike moved to Houston, Texas and began working for Service Corp International as an auditor. He moved back to Dallas when Torchmark, Inc bought an insurance subsidiary from Service Corp. Mike rose to be a Senior Vice-President in charge of compliance. He worked for Torchmark from October 1982 until he retired on the last day of 2019.
Mike enjoyed life. He played soccer at Austin College. He joined a soccer team called Bucky’s Banana Bangers in 1976. He continued playing with that same team until November 2023 when he played his final game. He enjoyed family time. He opened his house and pool to family and friends every holiday and treated everyone like royalty. His passion after retirement was the family farm in Hopkins County. He spent many days walking fence lines and feeding his cows.
Mike is survived by his wife, Cynthia; sons, Matthew and Patrick; step-children, William and Stacey Bonnell and Josh Bonnell; mother, Zelma Gaisbauer; brothers and their spouses, Kevin and Melissa Gaisbauer, Chris and Monica Gaisbauer, Brian and Mary Catherine Gaisbauer; sister, Ann Gaisbauer as well as numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Aaron and his father, Sylvester John.
A funeral service will be held Friday, February 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood, Ave., Dallas 75214. A reception will be held at Campisi’s Restaurant, 5610 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas 75206.
