In Loving Memory

Charles Michael Cashel

February 18, 1937 - July 15, 2025

We invite you to join us in celebrating Mike's life on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, videos and pictures will be cherished by his loved ones and provide comfort during this difficult time.

Charles Michael Cashel “Mike” peacefully passed away on July 15th, 2025 at the age of 88 after a long and brave fight with leukemia. He was surrounded by his wife, Pat, his two daughters, Kathy and Marie, and his lifetime best friend, Bob.

Mike was born on February 18, 1937 in Worthington, Minnesota to Theodora and Charles Cashel and older sister Marnie. Between the stories of growing up with a pet raccoon (Robbie) to exploring the haunted house across the lake, Mike often fondly reminisced about his childhood growing up in Worthington and spending summers at the family lake house in Alexandria, Minnesota. Mike graduated from Worthington High School in 1955 before starting a long journey of higher education. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Amherst College in 1959 and his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1962. He later went on to earn his doctorate in genetics from the University of Washington before settling at the National Institutes of Health where he ended up working for 58 years before his retirement in 2021.

While working at NIH he met many lifelong friends, helped create the weekly ‘Friday Seminar’ and met fellow scientist, Pat Earl. Mike and Pat married in 1983 and celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Outside of his passion for science he was also a loving father who always supported and loved his daughters, Kathy and Marie. He fostered the love of books and music with both of them. Mike was also known for his love of sailing, traveling, cooking and gardening. He was also an avid listener of NPR. He will be fondly remembered for his intelligence, wit and humor as well as his unwavering love and appreciation for his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Pat, his two daughters, Kathy and Marie, his nieces, Laura, Sarah, Molly, and nephew Dan as well as the community at NIH that he enjoyed so much.