Dr. Michael Kerry Amstein

Dr. Michael Kerry Amstein, 67, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. On a beautiful September day while Mike was smoking ribs for his neighbors and getting ready to watch the TN VOLS win, the good Lord had other plans.

Mike was born on February 15, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa, to the late SGM (Ret.) Duane Amstein and the late Reiko Amstein.

Mike will be remembered for his warm smile, his unwavering commitment to education, his generosity toward others, his devotion to family and friends, and the joy and laughter he brought to every gathering. His legacy lives on in the countless students, educators, family members, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A lifelong educator and leader, Mike dedicated his career to improving the lives of children through education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Doctor of Education from East Tennessee State University. Throughout a distinguished career spanning four states and six school systems, Mike inspired teachers, mentored administrators, and positively impacted the lives of thousands of students through his service in numerous educational leadership roles. He retired as Superintendent of Schools for the Atlantic Community School District in Atlantic, Iowa. After retirement, Mike and his wife Pam made their home in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where they attended Hendersonville First United Methodist Church.

Mike will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Pamela Crews Amstein; his sisters, Darcy (Urs) Gsteiger, Anne (Randall) Rogers, and Coleen Amstein; his brother, Pat (Monika) Amstein; and his sister-in-law, Connie Crews Stewart. "Uncle Mike" is also survived by nieces and nephews who cherished him deeply and whose hearts are broken by his loss: Ashley Crews, Tim Stewart, Chris Stewart, Teresa Blackburn, Todd Pryor, Erin Rogers Byars, Merrilee Rogers, Kevin Amstein, Tara Amstein Sandoval, Michael “Ben” Amstein, and Katrina Amstein Haynes. He was also dearly loved by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

A Memorial Service will be held at Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville, TN on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM. An additional service will be held at East Tennessee State University Tipton-Ashe Gallery & Atrium located at 401 Ashe Street (former courthouse in Downtown) in Johnson City, TN on October 28, 2026 at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike's honor to The Michael Amstein Memorial Fund at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9383223&fr_id=154020&pg=personal