E. Michael Ehlers, MD, 81, of LaVale, Maryland died July 6, 2024, at his home. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 31, 1943, to the late Edward and Deborah (McKee) Ehlers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Christine Ann Curran and Deborah "Miki" Arvidson.

Dr. Ehlers grew up in Connecticut and attended the University of Connecticut, followed by medical school at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He interned at Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, completed his residency training in psychiatry at Sheppard Enoch Pratt Hospital in Towson, MD, and graduated as a Psychoanalyst from the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute in Washington, DC. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy at the Naval Hospital of Bethesda.

In 1993, Dr. Ehlers was appointed Clinical Director of the Thomas B. Finan Center in Cumberland, MD. He then became the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the Western Maryland Health System in 1994. Dr. Ehlers was the Medical Director of all Behavioral Health programs and was responsible for the department's growth. He also provided mental health services at the Maryland Department of Corrections, the Allegany County Detention Center, Garrett County Lighthouse, Allegany County Board of Education, Tristate Community Health Center, and the Garrett County Mental Health Clinic. Dr. Ehlers was nominated as Physician of the Year for ten consecutive years. He continued to practice at UPMC Western Maryland until his death.

Dr. Ehlers was an advocate for all his patients, bringing with him vast knowledge and experience. He made significant contributions to the community, serving all mental health and substance use disorder patients.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mike was an adventurer. He ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1989 and 1991 and bicycled over 1,000 miles on the Continental Divide. He was an avid fisherman, sailor, cyclist, and runner. His passion for photography was evident in the many beautiful images he captured and shared. His son fondly reflects on a memorable scuba trip with him to Bonaire, a cherished memory that exemplifies Mike's adventurous spirit.

Dr. Ehlers is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ann Nethken Ehlers; a son, Abraham Michael Ehlers; two stepdaughters, Courtney Holihen and husband Terrence, and Ingrid Jones and husband Patrick; a sister, Frances Ehlers Driggs; grandchildren, Julia, Eduardo, and Ernest; an extended family with nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11th at the Shrine of SS. Peter and Paul, 125 Fayette St, Cumberland, MD.

In lieu of flowers and food, memorial donations may be made to the WMHS Foundation Inc., Designation: Behavioral Health, 12400 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502, or to make a gift online, follow this link and scroll down to the form : https://www.wmhs.com/foundation/donate-now/