Michael J. Bleck

Bleck, Michael J. age 65, of Minneapolis, passed away suddenly on June 28, 2015 at his home in Italy. Son of the late Eugene and Joan (Mathias) Bleck, Mike was born in Michigan City, Indiana on April 8, 1950. He was a loving husband to his wife, Laurie Zenner, a devoted father to his children Andrew and Erica (Michael) Braun, stepsons Paul and John (Jack) Roos, and a doting "capo" to his granddaughter Aurora. He is also survived by his siblings Daniel (Tracy) Bleck and Laurie (Jim) Cuellar and their children. He graduated from DePauw University in 1972 and Indiana University Law School in 1975. Following a clerkship with Judge Roy Stephenson of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, he joined the law firm now known as Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP in 1977. He practiced there for more than 35 years, where he was a gifted and accomplished lawyer, specializing in complex business litigation. He served in a number of management positions at Oppenheimer, culminating in leading the firm as Chief Executive Officer from 1995-2001. During his tenure as CEO, Mike spearheaded Oppenheimer's expansion into technology and intellectual property law. His pro bono activities included representation of an inmate on death row in Alabama for more than 13 years. He served on the Board of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota and South Dakota in the mid-1990s and was involved in his community in numerous other ways. Mike was a well-respected man of character, intelligence, and fine judgment. He and Laurie had a wonderful twenty-five year marriage. His varied interests ranged from world travel to learning to prune olive trees. His wisdom and wry sense of humor were enjoyed by all who knew him and will be sorely missed. He was an inspiration to his family and will always be remembered with admiration and love. The family invites those who knew Mike to a celebration of his life on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St., Minneapolis. at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will precede the service beginning at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Equal Justice Institute.

Tributes

Michael J. Bleck

June 28, 2015

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203