I just learned the sad news of Mike’s passing. Mike was one of the most interesting, intelligent and inspirational people I have ever met. I was lucky enough to get to know him well during our medical residencies and fellowships at the University of Vermont. He taught me to fly fish in the Winooski river and always had extra gear with him in case anyone else wanted to learn. He will be missed dearly

It’s not very often I looked forward to going to a doctors appointment. Especially after having my first heart attack. I absolutely looked forward to every appointment I had with Dr. Hajdu. I was incredibly sad when he left to live his best life on constant vacation (retirement). We talked extensively at every appointment about going to tropical places and living our best lives. We talked about his brother and the struggle to quit smoking. I never felt judged. We talked about his wife and her love of things made to look like corn. I was not only his patient but we were work colleagues and I considered him to be my friend. He will be very missed. I’m sad I just found out about his passing today (03/27/25)l My sympathies to his family.

There are a handful of people I accredit to saving my life...dr.Michael Hajdu is at the top of that list. He not only saved my life he truly cared about me as he did all his patients talking as long as you needed to without ever acting like he was in a rush. When I...in his words.." failed my stress test miserably " I was so fortunate dr. Hajdu was on duty and came down to sit with me discussing my options. When I went into my heart cath Dr. Hajdu told me he would be there before it was over and sure enough about half way through I looked up to see him standing above watching over me. When his comforting look couldn't help but show concern I knew something was very wrong. He made me feel comfortable the whole way through triple bypass at 44. Then a couple years later I had to come back into the hospital I wasn't feeling well and Dr. Hajdu was right there beside me comforting me. I had to do a nuclear stress test and being my first one I felt I couldn't breathe and dr. Hajdu sat there talking me through it with me the whole time. You see he wasn't just your ordinary doctor and everyone who knew him will tell you all these same things...he had a heart of gold and was my guardian angel here on earth ...I have never had a doctor I felt this way about...I have cried many many tears since hearing the news last night...the loss feels so great as he was such a great dr. and a great man...I will miss him so...I will never understand why God gives our angels here on earth their wings before we feel they should go but I know we all are so much safer with him watching over us...rest in peace dr. Michael Hajdu...you have earned those wings and your time of rest..

My condolences to Mike’s family. I was Mike’s Ph.D. Mentor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. I remember well all the long hours we spent in the lab. I was a young assistant professor at the time and enjoyed working on problems related to cardiovascular regulation. Mike was an integral part of our lab and added much to the “fun” of research. We lost touch after he moved to Iowa but he will live on in my memories and in his published work.

Irv Zucker

Sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I did residency with Mike in Vermont- he was a good and fun friend! Condolences from myself and from many others in our class with whom I’ve spoken. He will be missed.

My condolences to Lauri, family and colleagues.

Mike was quite a gentleman and clinician. He was kind honest and respectful to his patients and people he worked with. I always enjoyed working with him.

May your memories soothe your hearts.

Sincerely,

Joellen Megan

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I got to work with Mike until he retired at the hospital formerly known as Mercy. He was my best buddy on the medical staff for the years he was there. We hit it off right away. My favorite memories of Mike are in the physicians dining room where we would commiserate about whatever “peckerwood” was running mercy into the ground at the time. I watched Mike mentor several of the new docs as they tried to navigate the turbulent waters at mercy. He was kind and patient but not to ever be trifled with. Mike had absolutely no qualms about saying anything to anyone if it needed said. He even took me on a fishing trip up to the lake of the woods with the Lebsack bothers—a trip I kind of mostly remember. Mike had the perfect combination of humor and empathy with healthy doses of skepticism and cynicism about medical practice. He would walk through anything with his patients and so they loved him. I’m really grateful that I got to be a small part of mikes story.

Mikey was a huge influence on me, in my youth and beyond. Although his and my time around each other was short, I can say I simply idealized him. His laughter, humor were infectious. He was the epitome of cool, to a young teenager. He gave us Kritter, a rambunctious black footed ferret. I own two BSA victors of my own, I think of him when I ride them…..with his long, black greasy hair. I will miss you Mikey…thanks for being you. Dave Olin

I fortunately had the privilege to become friends with Mike in the past 25 years or maybe a few more even. I always looked forward to the times that we would share. We had very mutual musical interests, an appreciation for many of the same outdoor activities, and a love of campfires and a can of beer. He blessed me with his wisdom and knowledge of many subjects, for he was the most intelligent and accomplished of any of my friends, but so down to earth, that he was a child of the earth. There were many things I had looked forward to our doing in the near future. Not a day has passed since his passing that I haven’t thought of him and missed him. He was such a wonderful person and definitely one of my favorite people.

My deepest sympathy to his dear Lauri Di.

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I always thought I would see him again. The type of guy who shows up and makes everything better. A great loss.

Janet Kirwan MD friend and colleague from Vermont

"Biker Mike" was a special friend to me from years ago when we were in lived in Lexington, KY. He was a bit intimidating to me presenting myself with the hard look of a biker from a gang; but what I discovered was a very kind and honorable man - a real softie. I remember late nights riding down to the river and talking about everything. We lost contact over the years but it sounds like he lived a good life with a beloved wife - how lucky! Biker and I share a birthday and this March 4th I will raise a glass to the wonderful memories.

I was fortunate enough to work with Mike at Mercy. He was a fantastic colleague, an excellent clinician and I knew when I ran into him anywhere in the hospital, my day would be brighter than before. He was dedicated to his patients but also knew when to crack a joke or lighten things up and I enjoyed talking bikes and music with him. I was sorry to see him retire but know he had a lot of good plans to keep him occupied; so sad that time was as short as it was. He deserved more. My condolences to his wife and family.

Mikey was one of the closest and best friends I have ever had. We met at Knox College and maintained a friendship for 50 years. We bonded over interests in British motorcycles, International Scouts, the Grateful Dead and the consumption of vast quantities of all kinds of beer. Mikey was one of the only people crazy enough to ride a BSA 441 Victor from Maryland to Illinois. It took 3 days for the feeling in his hands and feet to return. My wife Laura was also a close friend of his in college. Our paths crossed numerous times as we all moved around the country in our early years. We glad when Lauri Di entered his life. He was an amazing person, willing to help anyone in need. He will be greatly missed.

He was a wonderful mentor. Loved picking his brain. He was always straight forward with communicating his thoughts. I will miss coming over to his camp in Winfield and see him kicked back in his chair with that big smile.

Dr. Hajdu was an amazing doctor and his patients loved him. We all at old Mercy will miss greatly.

Dr Mike as I called him was one of a kind. He was not only my cardiologist but my friend. I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. Lori, my heart goes out to you.

Lori, I really just do not know what to say. I am so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend to me and was so much fun to work with. I know he would have given the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. I know he is in a good place, but earth got a lot less special without him here. His adventures were so many. I always loved hearing about them. I am sad he never got down to our cabin in southwest Mo to go fishing. Wishing you peace and comfort and hoping all the wonderful memories you have will help you through your loss. Love to you! Susan Harrison

Dr.Hajdu exemplified living life, enjoying one’s true self. He never met a stranger always made his patients feel heard and that they mattered. Quick witted, always a pleasure to work with. We can’t believe he is gone our condolences to Lauri, their pups, and his family and friends. Godspeed Dr. Hajdu, until we all meet again.

I had the pleasure of working with Mike at the Iowa Heart Center for a time. He was always so funny and upbeat. He was a great Dr. He will be missed. It was a pleasure to know him.

Sending my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you. Dr. Hajdu was a joy to have on the Medical Staff at Mercy and we appreciated his smile, sense of humor and the care he provided to the patients in our community. God Bless,

Dear Lauri, No words other than I am so sorry. The world has lost a bright fellow who had such a good heart, curious way, and adventurous spirit.