Michael William Orem

Michael W. Orem passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2026 at age 83. Michael was born to Minerva “Peggy” (Glaser) and William Orem in Sturgis, South Dakota on November 30, 1942. Raised in Fairmont, Minnesota, he received his first chemistry set at a young age, leading to a lifelong passion for chemical experimentation. As a youth, he possessed a deep curiosity about how elements interact. Unbeknownst to his parents, he reportedly took fireworks apart, storing the varied colorful components in his bedroom closet for future experiments. His life took a pivotal turn thanks to his high school chemistry teacher, who urged him to pursue a college education, a path he had not previously considered. He applied to Colorado College and attended on a full tuition scholarship in chemistry, receiving his BS in 1964. In 1969 he completed his PhD in Chemistry at University of Southern California and traveled to Rochester, NY with former spouse Susan Carter, to begin work as a Research and Development Chemist at Eastman Kodak. Over his 37 years at Kodak he authored and co-authored 22 patents and was awarded a Distinguished Inventor Award from the Kodak Scientific Council. World renowned for his expertise in surfactants, he prepared and presented lecture classes to chemists, engineers, and technicians on uses of surfactants in Kodak’s film coating technology and imaging product formulation. A highlight of his later career involved leading a team that replaced hazardous PFOS and PFAS fluorosurfactants with safer, alternative commercial compounds. He was a member of the American Chemical Society for nearly six decades.

Michael was a devoted member of Third Presbyterian Church for 57 years, serving as an Elder and Trustee. He found great joy singing in the Chancel Choir nearly every Sunday for over 35 years until he was unable to sing due to pain that led to a diagnosis of cancer. He had a deep love for music, both instrumental and vocal, playing piano, guitar, and banjo and participating in area groups including Eastman-Rochester Chorus, Rochester Bach Festival Chorus, and Greece Choral Society. He was also a fine ballroom dancer. He and fiancée, Elizabeth, spent many good times dancing together.

Thanks to Dr. Dunne and his team at the Wilmot Cancer Center, Dr. Cahn-Hidalgo, and to Elizabeth for their compassionate care over the past months.

He is survived by daughters, Katherine and Sandra Orem; 3 grandchildren, Natalie, Eleanore, and Ethan Derthick; fiancée Elizabeth Woodard; brother, Richard (Sue) Orem of Harrisonburg, VA; nephews, Alexander (Ellen) Orem of Norwich, VT, and Christopher (Sarah) Orem of Harrisonburg, VA; former spouse, Susan Carter; and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, from 4 to 6 pm at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street. A memorial service will follow on Friday, July 10th, at 10 am at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Third Presbyterian Church Organ Fund.