Dr. Kemakolam “Kem” Michael Obasih

DR. KEMAKOLAM (“Kem”) MICHAEL OBASIH, 71, of Brookfield, WI—a beloved father, grandfather, partner, brother, uncle, and friend—passed away surrounded by his loving family on March 8, 2026. Kem was a brilliant engineer, a devoted patriarch, and a man of unwavering faith who touched countless lives and served as a light to all who knew him.

Born on April 22, 1954, in Eziobodo-Mgbowo, Enugu State, Nigeria, Kem lived a life marked by leadership, sacrifice, and service to both family and community. His deep faith in God shaped the way he loved, led, and mentored others. In the quiet, selfless ways he cared for those around him—and in a laugh and/or signature smile that could brighten any room—Kem met life’s challenges with a steady hand.

Kem’s journey was one of remarkable resilience. Following his service in the Nigerian Civil War, he became the eldest among his siblings, taking on immense responsibility at a young age. Though he once aspired to become a Catholic priest, he answered a different calling to provide for his family. Recognizing the transformative power of education, he dedicated himself to his studies and earned the opportunity to attend university. On a full scholarship from the Nigerian government, Kem immigrated to the United States, facing the challenges of a new country with courage, grit, and determination. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University, followed by both his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.

Kem’s professional legacy is extraordinary. A respected figure in the thermal-energy engineering community, Kem leaves behind more than 100 patents to his name. His work includes contributing to the development of GE Healthcare MRI technology and playing a key role in advancing polymerized lithium-ion battery cell technology—innovations that power modern electric vehicles and airliners today.

Yet, above all professional accomplishments, Kem never lost sight of what mattered most: his family. Even as a student, he regularly sent money home to Nigeria to support his family and ensure his siblings received an education. He later sponsored and welcomed several family members to the United States, opening his home to them until they were stable and independent. His generosity knew no bounds, extending to relatives and friends alike, and he continued to support loved ones in Nigeria throughout his life.

While Kem was a gifted mentor, being a father was his greatest joy. As a single father of four, he navigated life’s challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering commitment. He transformed every hardship into an opportunity to instill faith, resilience, and discipline in his children, all while maintaining a loving and stable home. His children adored him and proudly shared his larger-than-life personality with the world.

Despite a demanding career—as an engineer, an evening professor at UW–Milwaukee, and a small business owner—Kem was present for nearly every milestone in his children’s lives. Whether it was Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, BSA soccer, Onward basketball, AAU track, Lancer football, volunteering, academic events or Sunday School at St. John Vianney, Kem showed up—consistently and wholeheartedly. As his children grew, the Brookfield and Milwaukee communities came to know him as the devoted father who seemed to be everywhere at once, always cheering the loudest. He traveled across the country for athletic events and college visits, often sacrificing sleep to balance work and family. Eventually, Kem’s love for Wisconsin Badgers football grew deeply, as he rarely—if ever—missed one of his son’s games over a five-year collegiate career. Kem was his children’s greatest champion, and they carry his legacy in the lives they live today.

After retiring in 2021, Kem continued to pour into his family and community. He had the joy of witnessing each of his children find their spouses and begin their own families. He celebrated the next generation by hosting a baby shower for his eldest daughter and welcoming his first grandchildren. A committed philanthropist, Kem supported organizations such as the NAACP always seeking to uplift future generations. He also served faithfully as a volunteer Sunday School teacher for over 15 years, guiding young people in their walk with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Kem taught those around him the importance of patience, generosity, perseverance, adaptability, and stewardship of your community. He believed deeply in the power of education and in opening doors for others—and ensuring those doors remained open.

Dr. Kem Obasih is survived by his four children: Chinedu Obasih (Brianne Obasih), Chidera Obasih-Thomas (Terrance Thomas), Chikwe Obasih (Danielle Obasih), and Chisom Obasih (Noah Satterlee); his cherished grandchildren, Kemakolam Obasih, Chukwuemeka Obasih-Thomas, and Ezeudo Obasih-Thomas; his girlfriend, Robin Martin; and his siblings: Chilero Agwoeme (Emmanuel Agwoeme), Chukwuma Obasi (Therese Obasi), Solomon Obasi, Ezelagu Obasi (Chioma Obasi), Augustine Obasi, and John Obasi (Judith Obasi). He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Obasi Eze and Nwainya Beatrice Obasi, and his siblings, Anthonia Obioma Ogugua and Peter Obasih.

Kem’s spirit will live on—not only through his children and grandchildren, nor solely through the life-changing technologies he helped create—but through the faith, discipline, and love he instilled in all who knew him.

Memorial Service Information:

A service to honor Kem’s life will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at St. John Vianney Catholic Parish, 1755 North Calhoun Road, in Brookfield, WI. Visitation will begin from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM, followed by the funeral service at 5:00 PM. A celebration of life reception will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a man who put God and family above all else.

May Dr. Kem Obasih rest in heaven, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, strength through adversity, and a life devoted to serving others through kindness and love. His resilience as a single father will continue to inspire all who were blessed to witness his life.

In honor of Kem’s spirit, the family invites you to share your favorite memories and stories.

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