MICHAEL LEE SONGER MD

February 28, 1945 – April 15, 2024

Bakersfield – Dr. Michael Lee Songer was born on February 28, 1945, to Harold L. and Marjorie M. (Wilkins) Songer in Pueblo, Colorado. He died April 15, 2024, in Bakersfield, California with his family by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Michael enjoyed his childhood going to school in Gering, Nebraska and visiting his grandparents in Sunrise, Wyoming where they loved to play games and explore the hills. His grandfather worked for the railroad, so they often got to ride the train from Gering to Sunrise. Michael eventually moved to Kearney and graduated from high school in 1963. As Michael transitioned from high school to college, he thought he wanted to be a music teacher because of his love of music. After a year of schooling, he decided to turn to medicine and become a doctor. Michael received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska in 1971.

While in medical school Michael met his first wife Cherylinn Doyle. After their marriage they had their first child, Cari. After his graduation he joined a practice in Torrington, Wyoming and later opened his own practice. While in Torrington, he and Cheri had their other two children Lacey and Rhett.

Michael's professional journey led him through practices in Townsend, Montana, Alliance, Nebraska, and Holyoke, Colorado, before settling in Bakersfield, California, in 1987. His dedication to medicine shone brightly during his tenure as an emergency room doctor at San Joaquin Hospital and later as the Chief Medical Officer at Wasco State Penitentiary until his retirement in 2014. During his time in Bakersfield, he married his second wife Vickie Wheeler.

Beyond the realm of medicine, Michael had great enthusiasm for athletics, faithfully supporting his Alma Matersthe Nebraska Cornhuskers and Wyoming Cowboysand his beloved Denver Broncos. His commitment to the Stockdale Mustangs, as their team doctor, extended to implementing free physicals for student athletes, earning him a well-deserved place in the Stockdale High School Hall of Fame in 2020.

Michael's greatest love was his family. He loved visiting his children and grandchildren. He took many of his grandchildren to Jackson, Wyoming and Yellowstone when they turned 10. He often watched Tyler play baseball when he visited. After he retired and could take the time, he followed his granddaughter Amanda to her golf tournaments no matter the weather. He also loved his trips to Minneapolis to visit Marlie, Bode, and Damion. He loved talking to each of them whenever he could. He was extremely proud of each of their accomplishments.

Michael is preceded in death by his father Hal, his mother Marjorie, and his sister Judith McCord. He is survived by his children, Cari Warren (Darren) of Laramie, WY, Lacey Mercil (Tim), and Rhett Songer of Minneapolis, MN. His grandchildren, Tyler (Camille) and Amanda Warren, Marlie and Bode Mercil, Damion Songer, Kayla Pinkston, Aubree Benson, Jacob Hicks and Victoria Hicks. He is also survived by his former wife Vickie Songer.

A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Songer will be held at Seven Oaks Country Club on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:00. Light appetizers will be served. In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hoffmann Hospice in Bakersfield @ https://www.hoffmannhospice.org/donate