Michael Richard Tansey died unexpectedly on November 8, 2025, at his home in Bell Trace. Michael was an award-winning educator with a great love of teaching and his students. He was always seeking more knowledge, and his active mind was a treasure trove of information.
He is survived by his son, Rowan; daughter, Sarah and husband, Herman; ex-wife, Linda; stepsons, Chama Henry and his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Roxy and Zack Henry and his wife, Elizabeth Ross; grandkids, Belle and wife, Brittany, Liam and wife, Miyuki; brother, Kevin and wife, Leni; Kristen and Kiley; and friend, John Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth.
He had friends all over the world and we will miss him for the rest of our lives.
Bev Murphy Wells: “I lived down the road from Indiana University for 30 years and my daughter was a cheerleader her four years there. She may have even taken one of Professor Tansey’s classes. I loved the insight saying: “his spirit ascends to join the cosmic dance of stars, a shimmering constellaGon of memories that will forever grace the night sky of the hearts of those who loved Michael”
What a loving tribute to Michael and his family! Rest well Professor!”
Larry Thomas: Apparently, he died “unexpectedly “ and was living in Bell Trace in Bloomington which is a large senior living place with independent and assistant living.
My first thought was he taught at IU for 35 years and missed the school’s first National Championship.
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Michael Richard Tansey (Bloomington, Indiana), who passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 82. As Michael departs from our midst, his spirit ascends to join the cosmic dance of stars, a shimmering constellation of memories that will forever grace the night sky of the hearts of those who loved Michael. Though Michael may no longer walk beside us, his legacy lives on — a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend the boundaries of time and space.
Dickie Jones- (one of his students)
Michael Tansey was my first professor at Indiana University over 35 years ago. The most caring and generous individual. He was the first and last professor that invited me into his home for lunch. He’ll be missed.