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BORN
1926
DIED
2016
Abner Mikva Obituary
Mikva’s death was announced by the Mikva Challenge, a program to help empower youth that he helped to found along with his wife, Zoe. No cause of death was announced.
Abner Joseph Mikva was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After his education in public schools, Mikva enlisted in the Army Air Corps, but World War II ended before he could be deployed. He later attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he met his wife. He received his law degree in 1951 from the University of Chicago Law School.
“Long known as a liberal reform leader and a man of unassailable integrity, Abner J. Mikva successfully bucked Chicago’s Democratic political machine when he was elected to the Illinois state legislature in 1956 as an independent, reform-minded Democrat, and later served as a Democractic congressman in the late 1960s and ‘70s,” the Mikva Challenge wrote in a post on Facebook.
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After his congressional career, Mikva became a federal judge. Then-President Jimmy Carter nominated Mikva May 29, 1979, to the Washington, D.C., Circuit Court of Appeals. He was confirmed Sept. 25 of that year by a 58-31 vote of the U.S. Senate. He served on the court until 1994, leaving to become White House counsel advising President Bill Clinton.
Mikva was one of about three dozen people to have served in all three branches of the federal government.
He also taught law at the University of Chicago Law School.
Mikva received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014.
In addition to his wife, Zoe, Mikva is survived by his daughters Mary, Laurie, and Rachel; and by seven grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for Abner Mikva
25 Entries
saba aman
August 26, 2017
Thank you ab mikva for the mikva challenge, for your effort to make somebody out of the nobodies in the community.
Rich Bond
October 22, 2016
Judge Mikva was a great friend to me. While we were activists in different political parties, we found much common cause in our spirited discussions and endless laughter. When I occasionally strayed too far in my partisanship, Ab would quietly take me aside and gently chide me. I treasure our years of association. He truly made the world a better place.
Joseph Slovinec
July 29, 2016
I was pleased to recently contact The Mikva Challenge with offices in Chicago an Washington, D.C. with the fine civic values of Abner Mikva's fine career as Congressman, Judge, and work for President Clinton. I give condolences to Zoe and the Mikva family and friends and note Abner Mikva was a great mentor to President Obama who attended Columbia University in New York when I was there in 1981-1982.
Douglas RW Norell
July 12, 2016
I send my deepest condolences to the Mikva family.
I share the memory and passing of a wonderful man and mentor. I especially honor his extraordinary service in all three branches of the federal government.
While a student at the University of Chicago
Divinity School, I worked as a volunteer in the 1968 Mikva for Congress campaign. I admired his integrity and courage in challenging the political establishment.
Later, as an intern in Congressman Mikva's
Washington, D.C. office, I had the privilege
of working on legislation focused on social justice and global peace. These were just two areas in which the Congressman exercised outstanding leadership.
Again, I mourn the passing of a truly great
public servant, a man of faith, and a revered
husband and father.
With prayerful sympathy,
Dr. Douglas R. W. Norell
510 Devland Dr.
Winchester, VA 22603
Frank Yacko R .N.
July 10, 2016
Thanks for being one of the few.
Bob Pinzur
July 10, 2016
America lost the most decent public servants this nation has ever known. It is fitting Ab passed away on July 4th because I know of no person who loved America more and was more committed to making this a better world.
As a young child, I passed out campaign literature for Ab on the Southside of Chicago and later was extremely active in his Congressional campaigns in the 10th District. He was my political hero and always made me feel like I was his friend. He cared about people that did not know him and always fought for the best America can be. President Obama was right when he said Ab Mikva was always on the right side of history. Ab lead the fight for handgun control, numerous civil rights issues and issues of peace over war.
Ab's integrity was unquestioned and lead the fights which were often unpopular, but he always remained committed to doing what was right.
As a High School Student, I was preparing for a Regional Speech competition and was preparing my speech in favor of treaties to ban nuclear proliferation. I wrote to Congressman Mikva, who was a leader in the political fight, to help fortify my speech and better understand the global issues. At that time, I did not even live in his Congressional District. Nevertheless, on a Sunday morning, my Mom picked up the phone and Congressman Abner Mikva asked to speak to me, a high school student. Ab proceeded to spend the next 1 and 1/2 hours answering my questions and inspiring me to "get involved" to make a difference. My family and I never forgot that call and I proudly worked for every Abner Mikva campaign thereafter.
Ab Mikva loved children and the future. He never hated his enemies, but always believed he could convince them to do the right thing.
90 years was a long life, but not long enough for this great patriot. The world has lost a person who will never be replaced, but will always be inspired for his dedication, optimism and love for America.
Bob Pinzur
Buffalo Grove, IL
Flora Nelson
July 10, 2016
May his memory be for blessing.
July 7, 2016
I met Mr. Mikva when I was in my teens in the mid 1960's. I met him again after his retirement. He as a very personable man and when he spoke to me I was the only person on his mind. I did enjoy the short encounters so that I remembered his name many years later during our second meeting. I am sure the family has lost their pillar. Fran LaLone
Kelly Johnston
July 7, 2016
Dear Mikva Family:
May I offer my condolences to you all on the passing of Abner J. Mikva. My father (the late Robert Johnston, Regional Director of UAW Region 4) first met Ab when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives back in 1956.
My father had deep respect for Ab's commitment to public service but also for his convictions. My father always said, Ab Mikva does what's right, regardless of whether it's popular or what the party wants him to do and that takes courage!
We need more people like Ab Mikva in public service today. Ab Mikva sat at the table and spoke up for those in society who had no voice. He made a difference in people's lives that can't be measured easily or seen by the human eye. Take comfort Mikva family that his legacy and his impact on the world will be felt long after all of us are gone.
While our families have been intertwined many times over the last 60 years, my favorite memories were our times together at the UAW Camp in Ottawa, Illinois, over the 4th of July weekends. When I hear of Ab's passing, I was immediately brought back to those happy days swimming in the pool and watching fireworks over the river.
The Johnston family holds you in our thoughts and prayers as you say your final goodbyes to Abner J. Mikva and reflect on the wonderful life he led and the incredible legacy he leaves.
Ruth Goldsmith
July 6, 2016
Dear Zoe and family, I am so saddened to hear of your dear Ab's death. He was such a marvelous human being. He is now an angel in the heavens as he was down here all of these years. I always loved him. The world is in much need of more people like Ab. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Thanks you for sharing him with the world as you did. He sure loved all of you, especially the love of his life, Zoe.
lots of Love, Ruth Goldsmith (Elliot's sister)
Scott Chamberland
July 6, 2016
Rest in Peace
Patti Patti
July 6, 2016
Zoe, Mary, Laurie & Rachel,
My family & I send our very deepest sympathies.
Ab was certainly one of the sweetest, nicest & most respected person I know! There is no doubt that his counsel was appreciated to all who knew him.
I remember going with him to the Country Western Awards event at Constitution Hall - since you opted out on country music!!
Bless you all, sent with love to you 4
July 6, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Mikva, who certainly leaves a distinguished record of service. May you all experience "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and guards your hearts..." at this time. (Philp. 4:6,7)
Janice Brown
Brooklyn NY
Mary Anderson-Ellicson
July 6, 2016
A true gentle MAN. Love, the Andersons of Des Plaines Il.
Kathy Schultz
July 6, 2016
I have worked for Mr. Newton Minow for almost 41 years. In that time, I had the distinct honor and pleasure to get to know Judge Mikva. He always greeted me warmly on the phone and there was always a hug and a kiss on the cheek when he came to our offices. He was a true gentleman, class act and a very warm and giving person. He will be greatly missed.
Kathy Schultz
Lily
July 6, 2016
May it bring comfort to all family and friends of Anber that he will return to his youth as promised at Job 33:25.
D Tyler
July 6, 2016
Extending sincere condolences to the Mikva family and friends at this time of loss. Psalms 62:8.
July 6, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
July 6, 2016
His honor has had a very positive impact on my life and how I serve others. His stories I will never forget. The loss to all of us is great. Will miss you very much Your Honor, Bob Deaver
MD Admirer
July 6, 2016
Thank you for championing our rights, sir.
July 6, 2016
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Steve Platt
July 5, 2016
I remember Judge Mikva as a Congressman when he first started running for the 10th Congressional seat. We worked for his campaign pushing doorbells in Lincolnwood for Helen Smith who was the Lincolnwood coordinator. Then I continued to work for him when I went to Northwestern and I was still in the 10th District. As a U.S. Representative he was first-rate, his office was first-rate and always responsive. He was a great listener and had the knack of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was unyielding in his integrity even if meant detriment to himself personally, financially or politically. He was a great man of the people. There are very few like him today in politics. We lost a great man.
Shirley & Alvin Friedman
July 5, 2016
As fellow Milwaukeeans, it was our great pleasure and honor to know Abner Mikva as a friend, to be awed as his overwhelming list of accomplishments, and, in every sense to admire him as a truly good person... a real "mensh."
Ab, you were simply the best!
Shirley and Alvin Friedman
Mark Rhoads
July 5, 2016
I was an Illinois Republican state senator and got acquainted with Judge Mikva through baseball. My favorite memory was getting on board an Illinis State Society charter bus from DC to Baltimore in 1989 for an Orioles vs. White Sox game and Abner and his wife were seated first in the bus. He had his happy ear to ear grin of anticipation as we pulled out. I am sure he loved the White Sox more than politics.
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