Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Marienthal Obituary

Marienthal, Michael
Michael Marienthal, a decorated Marine who played football for UCLA and served as the men's basketball official scorer for 50 years, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. Michael, 89 years old, was born June 19, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended UCLA where he participated in the 1942 Rose Bowl and the 1943 East-West All Star Game, where he was chosen all Pacific Guard and Honorable Mention All-American. He received his Bachelor's Degree with Highest Honors in 1946, continuing on at UCLA to receive his Master's Degree and teaching credential in 1951. During World War II, he served as an Officer in the United States Marines Corps and was retired as a result of combat wounds in the battle at Okinawa. He lost his left leg above the knee and severely injured his right leg. Michael worked in the Los Angeles School System as Teacher, Coach and Secondary School Principal, eventually retiring in 1983 after serving 35 years. He served as a Personnel Scout and Evaluator for the Los Angeles Rams, 1951-1973.
Michael is survived by his wife Karleen and five children, Carla Wheeler, Diane Lings (Dale), Carol Skaar, Gale McKinney (Scott) and Mike Marienthal (Leigh), 12 grandchildren, Jordan (Robyn) and Fletcher Lings, Jeremy (Laura) Wheeler, Lauren (Michael) Vartan and Danielle Skaar, Melissa (Jeff) White, Cassidy and Kolina McKinney, Scott, Kyle, Alexander and Wesley Marienthal and five great grandchildren, Sydney and Charlotte Wheeler, Justin, Nicole and Rylee White.
Services will take place at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, 92672, Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UCLA Foundation/Gold Shield for scholarships in memory of Michael J. Marienthal. Send to: 8328 Reading Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Mar. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Marienthal

Sponsored by Jesse Mota.

Not sure what to say?





Donald Prell

February 28, 2020

What can I say other than as a fellow LA Higher, neighbor and friend there was no better!

Jesse Mota

December 1, 2018

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

June 8, 2018

I WORKED FOR MIKE AS HIS STUDENT ASSISTANT IN 1965 AT NARBONNE H.S.I RESPECTED AND LOOKED UP TO HIM AND WANTED TO BE A MARINE LIKE HE WAS BUT AS IT TURNED OUT I RETIRED FROM THE ARMY.HE WAS A A GREAT MAN. JESSE JOSEPH MOTA

March 9, 2013

Mike was the Registrar at Narbonne HS in 1956 when I worked for him in the attendance office in mu first year as a teacher. As a just returned from active duty Marine lieut. I was immediately impressed with this unforgettable Marine hero. Mike and I along with a number of other young teachers would repair on Fridys afternoons to Allen Center (US Navy base officer's club) for an hour or so of great commraderie. Being nre to Socal I had no friends or amily and when the time came to vuy my first house Mike was so very generoius and cosignerd a note for the down payment. It wasn't until a Narbonne reunion in the 80s that I met him again and was privileged to spend the evening at his table. May his ravaged body and soul rest in peace. Bill Farris

March 9, 2013

Mike was an LA High School friend of my brother Howard, and that is how I got to know him. He was a role model to other students and continued to be all his life. I put his biography on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Marienthal Please visit the website and if you can add any items to his biography, please do so. Don Prell, Palm Springs, California.

DEBORAH MARTIN

March 9, 2013

TO MY DEAR FRIENDS GALE & CAROL, FAMILY
CARLA, DIANE, MIKE AND KARLEEN. I AM DEEPLY SADDENED. I WAS VERY FOND OF YOUR DAD.
THE LAST TIME I SAW YOUR DAD WAS SPECIAL. IT WAS A WHILE AGO, BUT WE SPENT A LONG TIME TALKING ABOUT GOLF. HE MUST HAVE LOVED IT. I TRULY LIKED YOUR DAD. I RESPECTED YOUR DAD.
HE WAS A GENTLEMAN. YOU WERE EXTREMELY LUCKY TO HAVE HAD HIM WITH YOU FOR SO LONG. HE WAS LUCKY, TOO.

I MET YOUR DAD, WELL, I BELIEVE IN THE MID 1970'S. GALE, CAROL AND I HAD SPEARHEADED A FRIENDSHIP THAT WAS TO BECOME LIFE LONG AND TRUE.
"MR MARIENTHAL" SAW US GROWING UP AS FRIENDS. (YOU ALL DID!)
THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO. AS I'M TYPING THIS, I AM LOOKING AT YOUR DAD'S
SMILING PICTURE....TRULY A WONDERFUL MAN.
LOVE AND CONDOLENCES, DEBORAH MARTIN

Jim Kurtz

March 7, 2013

1954 – Mike was my teacher in a summer school class at UniHi. It was hard work for him, as he was working many nights filming East of Eden. Great stories, great teacher, great guy

March 6, 2013

Dear Karleen and Family: We read with sadness of Mike's death. We've never forgotten you both. It was truly an honor to have known him,
Claudia, Gloria and R.Paul St Amand MD

March 6, 2013

I respected Mike before I ever met him. Growing up during WWII I absorbed the character traits that made the "greatest generation" great! Mike's dedication to his country, family, profession, and UCLA, was lifelong. He made me want to be A Marine! He never let his physical injuries stop him from an active career of service. I even awarded him the greatest accolade I can bestow--I forgave him for being a Repuiblican! This, folks, was a MAN. SEMPER FI, MIKE! Bill Hines (Sgt, USMC,Ret.)

gale mckinney

March 6, 2013

Dad, I just want to say thank you!! We love you!

William "Bill" Griggs

March 5, 2013

Mike gave all of his students the very best of himself. I am so grateful for his leadership and guidance. It had a great influence on my own personal and professional life. Thank you Mike and may God bless you. NHS '55.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Marienthal's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Marienthal

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Marienthal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more