Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd

Metairie, Louisiana

Michael Mitternight Obituary

Michael Adolph Mitternight passed away on October 7th 2016 at the age of 71. Beloved husband of 42 years to Jere Powell Mitternight, Father of Lisa Mitternight Hartline, Brian (Amanda), Kevin (Danielle) and Eric (Faith) Mitternight. Gramps to Alexander Dillon, Constance and Abigail Hartline, Avery, Wesley, Jackson, Wyatt, Sophie, Quinn and Julia Mitternight. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret Hazel Watts Mitternight and Francis Adolph Mitternight and brother Joseph. Mike graduated from De La Salle High School in 1962. He went on to receive a Master's Degree in Public Health from Tulane University. He is the former Director of Local Health Services within The Louisiana Dept. of Health and Hospitals. He also spent 29 years serving the United States as part of the Louisiana Air National Guard, 159th Tactical Fighter Wing. Mike was the proud owner and operator of Factory Service Agency in Metairie for the last 39 years. Through those years, he was heavily involved in numerous local and national business organizations. He was a long time member of The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), where he was Chairman of the Board in 2006. In 2008, Michael was the recipient of the National Federation of Independence's (NFIB) Small Business Champion of the Year and JEDCO's Charlet Business Award. His continued work for the advocacy of small businesses led to an appointment to the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council by Governor Jindal. He was also appointed SBA's Advisor to the National Ombudsmen by the U.S. Senate. Mike's tireless work in the area of work force development helped start many of the vo-tech programs currently in place through-out the state. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 1:30 PM from Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. Visitation on Wednesday, October 12, from 11:30 to 1:30. Inurnment at Lake Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Information call 504 835-2341

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

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Oct. 10 to Oct. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Mitternight

Not sure what to say?





Tim Barfield

November 7, 2016

I noticed that Mike is receiving a posthumous award from LABI (well deserved) and was shocked that he had past away. I got to know Mike in 2008 and 2009, as we worked together on workforce development redesign. Mike devoted countless hours to improving our state, and I am honored to have served with him in helping align our educational and training resources to create sustainable, life changing opportunities for our citizens. May God bless him and his family, and may he Rest In Peace.

R

October 22, 2016

Rest well Mike

Gene Gomes

October 20, 2016

Dear Jere, We were so very saddened to know that Mike has passed.....please know that our Father will fill your empty place in your heart.....we join with everyone to express thanks for having known you, Mike and your family. We pray for your comfort and healing.
Sincerely, Eugene, Ginger and the Gomes family in Minnesota and New Orleans.

Vince Salito

October 18, 2016

Jere, I'm so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We were suitemates at SLU. We had been out of touch for many years and we recently reconnected in July. I have contacted the SLU Alumni Association to notify them. They annually hold a Golden Silence Ceremony in March and they will send you an invitation to attend. I will also try to attend for Mike.
I hope you are comforted knowing that Mike is home with his Heavenly Father.

Janeen Hartline

October 17, 2016

so sorry for your lose. I didn't know love you

John Anderson

October 15, 2016

Dear jere, Lea' and I want to express our deepest sympathy on Mike's passing. Our friendship goes back to our childhoods.Mike had a wonderful sense of humor,and always tried to find the positive in everything he did. He was certainly a champion for the small business man as well as the work force in this state. He will be missed. John and Lea' Anderson

October 12, 2016

Kevin, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My prayers are with you & your family during this difficult time. Yvonne Kaul

Sandra & Richard Bonnet (neighbors on Louisville St)

October 12, 2016

Dear Jere and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. What a beautiful legacy he has left for all to cherish. Our prayers to all.

John Overton

October 12, 2016

Mike's passion for free enterprise is a great source of inspiration. He was a givergenerously investing his time, heart and wisdom for the betterment of the small business community through the many organizations where he was a respected leader; the SBAC, NSBA, NFIB, LABI, etc. As a fellow small business owner, Mike was my advocacy mentor. He was relentless and determined on issues, yet always a humble gentleman for whom everyone had the greatest respect. Although small business advocacy was the main focus of our interactions, and it was always fun to talk cars with Mike, it was the chats about his family that made it very clear what was Mike's greatest love. What an honor it was to know and work with Mike!

Brent Wood

October 12, 2016

Mike was a gentle but tireless advocate for Louisiana business. His leadership and integrity were an inspiration for those of us who had the privilege of interacting with him. My sincerest condolences to the family for this huge loss.

Lisa Hunt Bodellini

October 12, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers to the Mitternight family. I have known Mike since joining the 159th Medical Squadron LAANG in 1982. He was a really nice guy, and I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. Lisa and Marco Bodellini

October 12, 2016

Jere,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful man with a great personality. He will truly be missed by all...
Katie Mitternight

Fred Schuber

October 12, 2016

I was privileged to have worked with Mike over the years on projects with FSA. Our industry will miss him. He was a wonderful person.

Bonnie Lemoine

October 12, 2016

Mike was a true friend to the business community and to his LABI friends. I had known and worked with Mike for over 30 years. A better, more intelligent, or nicer man you would never meet. Was proud to call him friend. So sad to read of his passing. Sincere condolences to his family of whom he was so proud. Many prayers coming your way.

Keith Ashmus

October 11, 2016

It was a true privilege to know Mike. He was an effective and thoughtful champion of small business. He will be missed. My condolences to all his family.

Don Fos

October 11, 2016

I had know Mike since 1968. He was a great guy and I am proud to have been his friend. I will cherish the memories of all the great times we had in the 159th.

Patrick Witty

October 11, 2016

I have worked for others my entire career, all different kinds of folks in a variety of circumstances. I have worked as staff support for Chairman Mike Mitternight on the Small Business Advisory Council for the past two years and have known Mr. Mike for several years before that. Needless to say when I learned of his vast experience and countless accolades for superior work, I was intimidated to begin my work as his staff support. Well, that concern was unfounded. Mr. Mike was a true gentleman, a wealth of knowledge and knew everybody-if he didn't know them he made it his business to know them. We hit it off early, he grinned when he talked of family, was so proud of his company and employees, loved his auto restorations but mostly loved helping people. He did that through his passionate advocacy for worker training and small business support and in so many ways that we won't ever know about. He was a great teacher, I have learned much from him-I will miss my Chairman and my friend. May God provide comfort to his family.

Marci Forrester

October 11, 2016

Dear Jere: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

Don Gandolini

October 11, 2016

We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Mitternight family.
The entire Gandolini family.

October 11, 2016

Jere,, I am so sorry. Anything I can do, please let me know.

October 11, 2016

Jere & Family, So very sorry. Mike was a great guy. A father, husband and much loved my many. Prayers and condolences, Love, Clair

Dara Racciatti

October 11, 2016

I really enjoyed meeting Mike at the family reunion. Your family is in my prayers.

Cindy Gould

October 10, 2016

My condolences to Mike's family. I served in the LA Air National Guard with Mike. He was great fun and have many fond memories.

Mark S Deion

October 10, 2016

My sympathies to Mike's family. He was a great friend as we worked together on the national Board of NSBA. I will miss his knowledge, expertise, and most of all,..his sense of humor.

Staff of Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

October 10, 2016

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Mitternight's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Mitternight

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.

Funeral services provided by:

Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home

1600 North Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70001

How to support Michael's loved ones
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
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

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 Mitternight'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