Michael Beisner

MICHAEL BEISNER Michael Lee Beisner, 53, of Las Vegas, died Sunday, July 6, 2008. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Griffith United Methodist Church, 1701 E. Oakey Blvd. He is survived by his first wife, Connie; and their children, sons, Matthew and Corbin; and daughter, Lauren, all of Las Vegas; mother, Jeanie of Yuma, Ariz.; sister, Sheri Whitfield and her family of Lawson, Mo.; his most recent wife, Terry James and her family; and numerous friends. Michael was born April 1, 1955, in Denver, to Orville "Red" and Jeanie Beisner. Michael attended grade school in Blue Springs, Mo., and graduated from Lawrence, Kan., High School in 1973. After working with mentors, Stan Kenton and Clark Terry, he attended the University of Kansas at Lawrence. In 1975, he began his touring performance career, including touring with Paul Grey's "Gaslight Gang Band." On Thanksgiving Day 1982, Mike received an unforgettable call from a man who would become his lifelong friend, Bob Flanigan, inviting him to become a member of the famous "Four Freshmen." Mike eagerly accepted the offer and toured with the group for 13 years. In 1985 and 1986, the group was nominated for two Grammy Awards. During the last eight years, Michael worked with various geotechnical engineering firms in Las Vegas, designing and managing multiple test labs. Most recently, he worked alongside close friends at Angle Engineering, while still performing with lifelong friends in the music business. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, "Red." In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to defray service expenses. If attending the service, please feel free to bring a picture and favorite memory of Michael to share.