Michael Amspoker Obituary

Dr. Michael Amspoker, 77, passed away on July 23, 2025 at his home in Fulton, MO, surrounded by family and his dog, Jake. Mike was born on April 25, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, to Craig and Maxine Amspoker. His unique childhood influenced his love of biology and travel. He grew up surrounded by exotic pets (monkeys, a tortoise, and a skunk, to name a few), took trips to Mexico for deep-sea fishing, and was active in the Boy Scouts.

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He earned a bachelor's degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis, in 1970; a master's degree in Biology from San Diego State University in 1973; and a doctorate in Botany from Oregon State University in 1977. In 1986, he accepted a position as a biology professor at Westminster College in Missouri. During his 33-year tenure at Westminster as a beloved professor, he received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and leadership. Dr. Amspoker led 17 off-campus trips with Westminster students to Kenya, Belize, and Peru/Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands.

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Mike's academic focus was marine biology, with a particular fascination for diatoms, microscopic organisms he studied with nearly as much enthusiasm as he had for inspiring students. He went on to describe two new genera and two new species.

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In his private life, Mike enjoyed taking his dog Jake on walks through the Mark Twain National Forest, socializing with his friends and close neighbors, photographing nature, and ending the day with a cold beer on the front porch. He had a passion for beekeeping and, for many years, produced some of the finest honey in Missouri. Mike was an avid catch-and-release fly fisherman. He could name just about any plant on the planet; hiking with him was always an enriching experience.

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Mike was the "cool" uncle who once sent his nieces fireflies and box turtles in the mail and inspired both of them to pursue degrees in the sciences.

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He is survived by his sister, Tina Ballantyne (David); his nieces, Kate Ballantyne-Hacker (Dave) and Jessica Baker-Ballantyne (Glenn); and four great-nieces and nephews.

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To honor Mike, step outside with curiosity-plant a tree, explore a trail, identify a plant or insect, or learn something new about the natural world he loved.

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A Celebration of Mike's Life will be Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Coulter Science Center on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton.



Arrangements for Dr. Amspoker are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424.