Michael Steinberg

Michael Steinberg was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 10, 1946. He was raised in the Orthodox Jewish Faith and was proud of his Bar Mitzvah performance at age 13. Michael had a passion for history and could often be found at the local library reading history books. He excelled at history in the elementary and secondary levels. Michael had majored in history at the University of Wisconsin where he earned his BS in 1968. Thyroid cancer made him stay in Chicago and he earned his MA in American History in 1990 at the University of Illinois campus in Chicago. Michael moved to Arizona in 1995 because of health issues. It was there that he met the love of his life Kriste. They have been happily married now for 37 years. Michael had worked in a number of positions involving history during his years in Arizona. He was Bicentennial Coordinator for the AZ Department of Education historian of the 56th Tactical Training Wing at Luke AFB, Collections Registrar at the State Capitol Museum, and Museum Educator at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Papago Park. It was there that he trained numerous "interpreters" who made history come alive to visitors of all ages. Michael also taught as an adjunct professor of history for several valley institutions. He taught courses in American and Arizona History, US and Arizona Constitution and Southwest History before retiring in 2006. Since retiring, Mike was active in Toastmasters, enjoyed going to movies, the history channel, traveling with Kriste and being a dad to his dog Rosie. Mike is survived by Kristie, his dog, Rosie, family members and great friends. Mike was a very kind, gentle, and loving man. He will be missed by many.