JULY 4 • 2024 | 53

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He was a lifelong runner and 
triathlete until his stroke at age 
81. Active in synagogue life and 
supporting Soviet Jewry, Mike 
was a community builder. An avid 
reader and history buff, he became a 
passionate and influential volunteer 
docent at the Zekelman Holocaust 
Center. He was a master storyteller 
with a contagious sense of humor 
and a generous host who led joyous, 
meaningful seders.
Mike is survived by his wife, Betsy; 
his children, Amy Winkelman (Gary 
Blackman), Marjorie Lesko (Pat 
Lesko), Steven Winkelman (Cantor 
Heather Batchelor); his grandchildren, 
Emma Blackman, Bram Lesko, and 
Benjamin Winkelman-Batchelor; his 
brother, Sheldon Winkelman (Rissa); 
sister, Sandra Helman (Dr. Jerome); 
sisters-in-law, Sylvia Garrett and 
Mildred Wilson; and many other 
loving relatives and friends. 
He was predeceased by his 
grandson, Lane Lesko; his sister-in-
law, Fern Selling; and brother-in-law, 
Maurice Wilson.
His memory is a blessing.
Interment was at Clover Hill Park. 
Contributions may be made to Adat 
Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt, 
Farmington Hills, MI 48334; 
Zekelman Holocaust Center, 28123 
Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, 
MI 48334; or to a charity of one’s 
choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 
Chapel. 

M

itchell Meisner, 80, of 
Huntington Woods, died 
June 20, 2024, at his home 
from pancreatic cancer. 
Mitch was a partner at the 
Honigman law firm in Detroit, 
where he worked for more than 40 
years. He was highly respected by 
his colleagues and clients for his 
dedication, expertise, intellect 
and integrity.
Mitch was born in 
Washington, D.C., to Alfred 
and Shirley Meisner. His 
father was an attorney for 
the U.S. Department of 
Commerce and his mother 
was a teacher who also 
worked at NOAA and in 
the White House under the 
Carter administration.
Mitch attended Walter Johnson 
High School in Bethesda, Md. He 
received a B.A. in political science 
from Amherst College, a master’s 
degree and Ph.D. in political science 
from the University of Chicago, and a 
J.D. from the University of Michigan 
Law School. He worked as a college 
professor before moving to the legal 
field.
Mitch was deeply involved in 
politics beginning with the Civil 
Rights Movement; he had a near- 
encyclopedic knowledge of its events 
and leaders. He loved to recount 
his experiences during that era 
and was particularly proud that he 
participated in the 1963 march on 
Washington, where he witnessed 
Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his “I 
Have A Dream” speech.
In October 1963, President 
Kennedy came to Amherst College 
to dedicate the Robert Frost Library. 
Mitch led an on-campus student 
protest directed at the president, 
urging him to pass a civil rights bill. 
This would turn out to be JFK’s final 

speech.
In later years, Mitch’s academic 
background as a professor and 
his interest in international law 
inspired him to become active as 
a volunteer judge in the Philip C. 
Jessup International Law Moot Court 
Competition every February. He 
never lost his love of teaching and 
considered it a privilege to 
mentor young law students. 
He was deeply passionate 
about Jessup and developed 
meaningful and valued 
relationships with people 
from around the world. He 
also found satisfaction in pro 
bono legal work, volunteering 
his time, knowledge and 
expertise.
Mitch and his family have been 
active members of Temple Emanu-
El in Oak Park for many years. He 
served on multiple committees and 
was the temple’s president from 2011-
2013.
Mitch had hoped to cast his vote in 
this November’s presidential election. 
The family asks that you get out and 
vote this year, to honor his memory 
and commitment to social justice.
Above all else, Mitch enjoyed 
traveling and spending time with his 
family; he will be greatly missed.
Mitch is survived by his wife, 
Marcia; his children, Geoff 
(Michelle), Amy (Tyler) and Jesse 
(Christy); his brother, Jon (Caroline). 
He was the proud grandfather to 
seven grandsons, Isaac, Sutton, Marz, 
Brady, Shay, Zevi and Elliott.
Interment was held at Clover Hill 
Park Cemetery in Birmingham. 
Contributions may be made to the 
New Israel Fund, to the Weingarten 
Children’s Center, to the International 
Law Students Association or to a 
charity of one’s choice. Arrangements 
by Dorfman Chapel. 

A Passionate Legal 
Professional

Mitchell 
Meisner

