John "Mike" McCormack

John Michael “Mike” McCormack, 82, Bismarck, ND, died on August 28th, 2024.

After a private family service, a public celebration of his life in education and his deep capacity for loving and entertaining people will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 4th, at the Elks Club Lodge, 900 South Washington Street, Bismarck, ND.

Born in Saint Louis County, MN, on February 9th, 1942, Mike was raised a proud son of North Dakota. He earned his first degree at what would become Bismarck State College. Later, he attained a Bachelor’s and a Master’s at the University of North Dakota. Mike went on to teach history for over 50 years at Bismarck State College (BSC). He contributed regularly to both campus life and the goings-on of Bismarck in general (don’t miss his fantastic interviews for the podcast History Hotdish).

It’s impossible to sum up the impact of a human being as curious and animated as Mike. He proved that a life of the mind was one of endless possibilities. So marked was Mike’s influence as an educator, almost every place he traveled, a former student would approach him to share how he’d pointed the way toward a rewarding life and career. He set the same example for his children and their close friends.

His other great passions were serving as a Rotarian, singing in the Bismarck Elks Club Men's Chorus, and photography. For decades, Mike shot school plays, concerts, powwows, sporting events, weddings, and his beloved home state’s sweeping vistas. In frame after frame of his work, you can see his abiding love for trading in goodwill and humane ideas.

Mike is survived by his younger sister, Patricia “Patty” Lavery (husband Tom); and his children who are so proud of his legacy, Shannon McCormack (husband James Ferguson), Heather McCormack, Ryan McCormack, Erin McCormack, and Kelly McCormack.

Rather than sending flowers, the family asks you to consider donating to the BSC scholarship in his name: Mike McCormack Scholarship.