Michael John Grutsch, PA-C , 77, of Lincoln passed away May 14, 2023 at The Monarch. Michael was born on September 4, 1945, in Norfolk NE to John and Bernadine (Protivinsky) Grutsch.
After Graduation from St. Mary’s High School in O’Neill, Ne, he joined the United States Air Force in service to his country where he began his medical career. He was in the first class of students enrolled in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician’s Assistant program in 1973. The first class had 29 students (15 students at Sheppard Air Force Base and 14 at the UNMC campus). They graduated from the UNMC program in 1975 with Bachelor’s degrees.
That inaugural PA class established the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants (NAPA) in the fall of 1975 with the leadership of several graduates. Mike as a graduate of that first class played a critical role in NAPA during the formative years. He served positions on the NAPA Board for most of his career including repeat terms as President and Treasurer. He envisioned the NAPA scholarship program and oversaw the development of the scholarship funding.
He practiced in multiple rural health settings and was instrumental in establishing rural Emergency Medical Services in western Nebraska. He continued his career in Professional and Occupational Investigations for the State of Nebraska, Department of Health and Human Services, from which he retired in 2014.
He was a civic leader serving in multiple elected and voluntary positions. He donated time and talent, especially for those less fortunate, by providing tax preparation assistance.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Linda Jackson; two sons Michael Jr, (Chris) and their children Derek (Ana) and Colton (friend Olivia Hoffman), Jeffery (Shelley) and their children Ryan and AJ. Great-grandchildren Addilyn and Cameron. Linda’s children Brian (Penni) and their children Trey and Mia. Sarah (Geno) Velasco and their daughter Amelia, Blake (Kenzi) and their children Breckyn, Kysen and Kiya. Sister Ann (Dave) Rehbein, their children Chris and Jennifer. Great-nephews Devin Von Querner and Greyson Rehbein and Great niece Camille Rehbein.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Patrick Grutsch.
Memorials may be given to the Michael J. Grutsch Scholarship Fund at the Nebraska Association of Physician Assistants, Lincoln Community Foundation or St. John’s Catholic Church.
Burial will be at the Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023.
He will be truly missed by a large number of colleagues, family and friends.
Services
Celebration of Life
11:00 am CST
Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel
4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Burial with Military Rights
1:30 pm CST
Omaha National Cemetery
Omaha, NE
Share a Memory or Condolence
Mike and I started our careers in Oxford Ne in 1975. We had a great working relationship and had many unforgettable experiences. There’s nobody I would rather have by my side in an emergency situation than Mike. Our supervising physician left to join the army so a new Dr. was recruited to take his place. Unfortunately, at the time he wanted to just work alone so on Valentine’s Day 1976 we both got fired. We always referred to that as the St. Valentine’s Day massacre. We got the last laugh though as “Dr. I work alone” was a drug addict and was caught stealing narcotics from the hospital and subsequently got fired himself. Mike and I remained lifelong friends and I will never forget him especially on St. Valentines Day.
– Gerry Taylor PA-C
I arrived at Chase County Community Hospital in 1979, my first job as a hospital administrator. Fortunately, Michael was there working as a physician assistant. He was welcoming and supportive to this rookie. He was a medical, political and regulatory resource. More importantly, he was a skilled professional dedicated to his craft and the people and community he served. You could count on him. In addition to medical care, he was instrumental in training EMTs and improving rural ambulance service in our area. I am forever grateful for what he did for me and our hospital and his contribution to our area communities. He cared. He made a difference. Thanks, Mike.
– Bill McCamley
Our hearts go out to you, Linda, and to your’s and Mike’s family. I was fortunate to work with Mike when he was a valued and committed member of the DHHS Strategic National Stockpile response team until he retired. We will miss seeing him beside us at the Husker volleyball matches.
– Chris and Mike Newlon
My deepest sympathy to Mike’s family. I knew and worked with him many years in State government, pertaining to Professional and Occupational Licensure. Mike was dedicated and sought ways to improve matters.
– Helen Meeks, former Director Professional and Occupational Licensure
Mikie was my younger cousin. I’m very proud of him and his work with the PAs as well as his family. He kept track of our family tree.
– Morris Pongratz
Taught ACLS with Mike at the McCook College. Learnt a lot from him. RIP Mike
– Darlene Schaeffer
My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Mike since 1976 and worked with him on many legislative initiatives. He truly was a pioneer of our profession.
– Bonnie Shearer
I had know Mike for several years with my involvement in the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants organization. We both served on the board of directors for several years. Mike was such a generous individual, quiet until he had something to say. The classic, he did not say much, but when he did, it was of value. He initiated the NAPA scholarship fund that morphed into the NAPA Foundation to provide scholarships to PA students within Nebraska. Mike was always willing to help, provide wisdom and director, and could throw out an occasional zinger for good measure. Within our profession, Michael was instrumental in the development, growth, and maturation of the PA profession in Nebraska. And in addition, was an excellent PA in providing care to the citizens of Nebraska. Rest in peace Mike.
– Darwin Brown, PA-C
Mike and I partnered in Central Ne. Ambulance Service I nc at Oxford. He was our first PA at Oxford and Linda rented our house there. I helped him move to Imperial.
– Jerrell Gerdes MHA FACHE
Mike was a great friend and colleague to my Mother Elaine Hink. I know they were good friends also. Mike took care of us kids along with Dr Shopp in Imperial, NE. I was the middle child, ALWAYS having to go to the Dr office for something A lot of the time I remember Mike being who saw me. He was always kind and made sure even a kid could understand what was wrong with them. He was a great influence in my life from an early age. So from my mother Elaine, and from me – he will be missed. Mom may not remember him the day I tell her, or the moment, but she will know.
– Davon Hink DaMoude
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