Finkelstein, Michael W.

Michael W. Finkelstein, 62, of Coralville, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, in the comfort of his home.

Michael W. Finkelstein was born Jan. 13, 1951, in Los Angeles, Calif. His family relocated to Carthage, Ill., when he was only six months old to be near his mother's family. As an adolescent, he worked in the family business. Following completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1976, Mike served our country as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. Mike returned to Iowa and while undergoing specialty met Twila, the love of his life. They were married in 1980. Mike completed a certificate and Master of Science degree in oral and maxillofacial pathology at the University of Iowa in 1982.

Mike was a Fellow in the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

Michael was hired by the College of Dentistry, where he taught histology, anatomy and oral pathology for 31 years. Additionally, he taught histology for the University of Iowa College of Medicine and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Mike was the consummate role model for the students, colleagues and patients who were touched by his gentle demeanor. He taught without bravado, never sought the limelight and gave credit to others for his accomplishments. Mike always put the needs of his students first and foremost.

He was a kind, inspiring spirit for the now tens of thousands of people who were touched by him. Mike had a rare gift for reaching out to every person he met with an always upbeat manner. He had high standards that he carried gracefully. Over the decades, countless people have said they are better people for having known Mike.

In recognition of his teaching and educational research accomplishments, his students presented him with Distinguished Instructor of the Year Awards 34 times, and the College bestowed on Mike the first Centennial Endowed Professor of Teaching and Curriculum. In further recognition of his accomplishments, he received the University of Iowa President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence, the James H. McLeran Faculty Award, and the President's Award by the Iowa Dental Association.

Michael is a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, where he shared his passion for education by serving on the Education Committee, teaching adult Sunday school and youth confirmation classes.

He was preceded in passing by his mother and father, Martha Jane and Samuel Marion Finkelstein.

He is survived by his loving wife, Twila; his daughter, Rachel, and granddaughter, Kylie Hoskins, who reside in Milwaukee, Wis.; stepdaughters, Angela Harthoorn Houston, her husband, Doug, and children, Sydney, Jackson and Evan, who reside in Johnston, Iowa, and Amy Harthoorn Bode, her husband, Brian, and children, Bailey and Kerrigan, who reside in Keokuk, Iowa.

A service celebrating Michael's life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, with a time of reflection and fellowship following the service.

Memorials in Michael's name can be made to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (Christian Education), Iowa City Hospice or the Michael Finkelstein Memorial Fund, to be used for his grandchildren's future education.

Online condolences can be sent to his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Michael's family wants to express a loving thank you to his wonderful working family at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry for their support during his long tenure and during his recent illness.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Michael's family and his services.

Published Dec. 31, 2013 in The Gazette