Michael Langenbach, 70 (pictured at right from the 1959 Spy), of Norman, OK died at his home Wednesday, April 27, 2011, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. There will be no services, but donations in his honor may be made to the Michael Langenbach Scholarship, c/o Autumn McMahon, 820 Van Vleet Oval, ECH 100, Norman, OK 73019-2041.

Michael was born March 24, 1941, in Kenosha, WI, to Norman and Esther (Cornwell) Langenbach.  He was devoted to his family, coaching many softball teams over the years for both his girls.  He attended every one of their games and performances in band and orchestra and enjoyed watching OU softball, basketball, and football with them as well.  He had an unwavering devotion to his grandchildren, whom he loved greatly.  He enjoyed reading numerous blogs, magazines and books pertaining to politics and was happy to express his opinion through an informed discussion or a forwarded email article.  He loved visiting the family cabin in Clayton, where he could relax and enjoy time with his family.  His hobbies included bowling, fishing, hunting and working in his yard.

Michael moved to Norman with his family in 1969 to accept a faculty position at the University of Oklahoma.  A doctoral graduate of Northwestern University and a popular professor in the College of Education, Dr. Langenbach also served as executive assistant to the provost, associate dean of the college, department chairman for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and program area coordinator for Educational Administration/Curriculum and Supervision during his tenure at the university.  He shared scholarly expertise by authoring four books and nearly 50 journal articles, thus making a solid contribution to the scholarly literature in Educational Leadership.  In 1987 and 1988 he received a Distinguished Lectureship award and in 1996, he was presented with the Kenneth E. Crook Annual Faculty Award from the College of Liberal Studies.  A leader in educational outreach, he was one of the founding members of Middle Earth, an innovative child development center for young children in Norman.

Published in The Norman Transcript on May 1, 2011