Michael H. Mendelson

March 4th, 2025

Michael:
My first crush at Clinton.
Naturally bright, kind, a friend to everyone.
So sorry you suffered all these years from a dreadful disease.
Rest, my friend, no more pain.
The world has lost a gem of a man.

Love,
Marcy

~Marcy Stillman
~School Friend, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

March 3rd, 2025

My long time friend Mike Mendelson 40 year battle with Multiple Schlerosis has finally ended. Mike has no more pain, no more medicine, and no more embarrassing moments due to his illness,. Mike is finally at Peace!

Even though, it is extremely difficult to say goodbye to this beautiful soul. I will always embrace our wonderful memories and our 40 year friendship, his concern, and his loving soul.
I met Mike in 1985 at this bar on Oak Street called the Loading Zone. I thought he was a smart, handsome guy, who had a great personality who was extremely clever and funny. We continued to run into each other at Gentry, or Sidetrack. People gravitated toward him because he was truly such a wonderful guy. He was very active. He loved Sports and played softball, he love to run and loved to dance. We became friends and would get together from time to time to go to the theatre, or a bar, or just hang out. It was always a great experience to be with him.
Mike was diagnosed in 1984, and had some symptoms. However, they were under control. Unfortunately, little by little the disease was effecting him more and more, and continued to take a piece of Mike. Mike had difficulty with his legs, where he could no longer play softball, volleyball, and later dance. Later he had difficulty with any movement.
Amidst all of his many setbacks, Mike never complained. He just continued fighting to have a quality of life. Most of the time, he did so with a smile or a joke., and with grace.
I want to remember Mike playing softball or dancing on disco night at Berlin. I’d like to think that he is heaven dancing and doing all of the things he couldn’t do for so many years. That is how everyone should remember him.
Finally, Mike LOVED.
He loved his family and was so loyal, he loved his friends, I am so Blest to to be one of them for all these years . As sick as Mike was, he was always concerned about others. Last year, after learning about my brain injury, he was so concerned and actually worried about me. With everything Mike was going through, he was worried about me. That is a true friend!, that was Mike.
I loved Mike and I know that he loved me. In the later years, I tried to keep in touch, but many times I just waited patiently until I heard from him. When we caught up, it was like no time had passed.
Our last email exchange was to wish each other a Happy New Year. We ended with I Love You. I’m glad that I have that.

Mike my dear friend
MAY THE ANGELS LEAD TO PARADISE AND
MAY YOUR MEMORY ALWAYS BE A BLESSING. REST WELL MY DEAR FRIEND.
YOU HAVE DEFINITELY EARNED YOUR WINGS

~Russ Goeltenbodt
~Longtime friend, Chicago, IL

March 2nd, 2025

Michael was born when I was 11. I loved taking care of him; he was bright and outgoing. He grew into a talented, compassionate man.
Michael had MS for 41 years, all his adult life. He stayed active and fought MS long and hard. Michael touched so many lives. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

~Linda Wolfe Kelley
~Michael’s aunt, Andrea’s sister, Portland, Oregon

March 1st, 2025

Burt, If you are the Burt Mendelson that I served with at NAS Glenview in the 1960’s, I wish you and your family my most sincere condolences. If you are not the ex-sailor Bev and I still wish you condolences. I believe at that time you and I and Gary Solomon were the only co-religious sailors in our squadron. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss. Ken Cooper

~Bev and Ken Cooper
~Friend of Burt Mendelson from U.S. Navy VP721 NAS Glenview., Deerfield