Henry Michael Miziorko

Miziorko, Henry Michael died at home on March 17, at age 76, after enjoying a day with his family. Henry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 11, 1947 to Henry G. and Veronica Miziorko. A graduate of St Joseph's Prep, class of '65, Henry received his BS in chemistry from St. Joseph's University in '69 and Ph.D. from University of Pennsylvania in '74. He met his best friend and the love of his life, Rita McCloskey at a Philadelphia Orchestra concert to begin the foundation to their 53 year marriage, a family, and many adventures.

Following a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, Henry joined the faculty of The Medical College of Wisconsin as a member of the Department of Biochemistry. As a recipient of an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship he conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine in Göttingen, Germany. His career culminated when Henry became the Marion-Merrell-Dow Missouri Professor of Structural Biology and the Head of the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Throughout his prestigious career Henry mentored many Ph.D. candidates and postdoctoral fellows in a rigorous and prolific lab while imparting his love of science. As a colleague, Henry was sought after to collaborate in numerous scientific endeavors sharing an appreciation for basic science in the study of enzymes and in the defense of academic freedom. Henry was known for his quick wit, his careful and detailed approach to science, and his pursuit of excellence.

Upon retirement, Rita and Henry returned to Wisconsin to be close to their son Michael, daughter-in-law Sarah, and grandsons Nathan, and Nicholas.

Henry's lifelong enthusiasm for fishing began with his brother, Bob, surf-casting in the Atlantic Ocean and continued with fly fishing for trout in rivers and streams of Wisconsin as well as in his favorite National Park, Yellowstone. He enjoyed sharing fishing tips with his grandsons also teaching them how to make the best lures. His passion for travel began with his wife Rita and together they ignited a similar appreciation in their son Michael and daughter Alexandra through many trips to Europe, US, and Canada. Continuing this tradition Henry and Rita treasured traveling with Michael and his family. Henry took pride in his Polish heritage and delighted in sharing traditions of food, culture and music with his sister Marian who will remember him as an affectionate and steadfast brother.

Henry will be remembered as a caring husband, father, Poppop, brother, uncle, mentor, colleague and friend. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Alyx; brother, Bob; and brother-in-law, Frank McCloskey. He is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Michael (Sarah); grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas; sister, Marian (Jim) Ciliberti; sister-in-law, Margaret; nephews, Matthias and Gregory; and favorite niece, Nicole; and her children, Tori, Alyssa, and Tyler; along with many other relatives and friends.

Memorials preferred to Henry Miziorko '69 Summer Research Fellowship, St. Joseph's University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395, Attn: Office of Advancement.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division Street) in River Falls with a visitation starting at 12 noon. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.