Name: Visitation for Michael Leitl
Start: 2017-12-05T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-12-05T18:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church North

Leitl, Michael

Michael Leitl, formerly of Cedarburg, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Miami, Florida, over the weekend. He was 34 years old and is remembered and loved as a selfless, brilliant, quirky, and loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. Mike was born in Milwaukee on February 6, 1983, son of David and Lori Murphy Leitl. The family moved to Cedarburg area in 1991, and Mike began attending local schools. He graduated from Cedarburg High School in 2001 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 2005. Mike accepted a position with Merck Pharmaceuticals in Lansdale, PA and continued on to earn his master's from Lehigh University in 2009. In 2015 he earned his PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Mike had a passion for learning and continued to pursue knowledge as a medical researcher at the University of Miami. Most recently, Mike was working as a cancer researcher at the University's Medical College.

Mike loved sports, especially college football and the Green Bay Packers. In his youth he enjoyed golfing (he got a hole-in-one at the age of thirteen), playing soccer and baseball.

Survivors include his parents, David and Lori Leitl of Cedarburg, sister Meghan Leitl and her daughters Becca & Brooklyn Ferry, also of Cedarburg and sister Tracy Leitl (fiancé Nick Hamel) of Minneapolis, MN. He is further survived by aunts and uncles: Mark (Tana) Murphy of Portage, Mike (Missy) Murphy of Venice, FL, Mike G. (Sharon) Leitl of Lansdale, PA, and Rose (the late Robert) Leitl of Oshkosh, cousins, other family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents William & Patricia Murphy and Roland & Mertie Leitl, and uncle Joseph Leitl.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 5th, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church North, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg. Father Tom Eichenberger will preside. The family will receive visitors at the CHURCH on Tuesday beginning at 11AM. The service will begin at 12 noon and be followed by a luncheon.

Memorials in Mike's name are suggested to Cancer Research at the University of Miami (www.research.med.miami.edu), Journey House (www.journeyhouse.org), the Cathedral Center (cathedral-center.org), 21st Century Academy (www.21stcentury.academy) or Breakthrough Twin Cities (www.breakthroughtwincities.org).

The Eernisse Funeral Home in Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .

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

Published by Oshkosh Northwestern on Nov. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Leitl

Sponsored by Eernisse Funeral Home - Cedarburg.

5 Entries

Danielle Jeffress

December 1, 2017

Dear Leitl family,

Words cannot begin to express my deepest condolences for your familys loss. The first time I met Mike was in June at the corner bar in downtown Miami, we connected immediately and formed a bond that will always have a special place in my heart. His intelligence, charm, witty demeanor, and kind spirit will be missed. Even though his time here in Miami was short, Mike was loved and he lived a life filled with exciting new adventures and experiences that will always be cherished by those who cared for him. I am thankful to have known him these past few months and share these memories that will forever remain close to my heart.

Mike loved going to the pool in his building, he found it to be tranquil and would often go there after work for a swim. One of my fondest memories that keeps running through my head is at the pool; we would go often, but it was one day in particular because it was a perfect day and the pool was empty, when I close my eyes I can see us sipping on mimosas and eating grapes while listening to the Grateful Dead and enjoying each others company for hours until we couldnt take the sun any longer. He always knew how to make me laugh and put a smile on my face. His kind generosity never went unnoticed. Mike loved his family very much and spoke of his parents and sisters often, but he really adored his nieces and that touched my heart; he would often share pictures of Becca and Brooke and his parents dog Roxy. He will always have a special place in my heart and the memories I have will be forever cherished. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences, I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

With love,
Danielle Jeffress

Ahmad Tarifi

December 1, 2017

I knew mike fir 3 years. We were studying together at VCU. He was smart and easy going. Will be greatly missed.

Greg Sartor

November 30, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mike was kind and caring person and an outstanding scientist. He will be greatly missed.

Wayne Surles

November 30, 2017

Mike was a friend of my son, Nathan Surles. I first met him when Nathan joined Merck and he moved to the Conshohocken area. Two incredible young men helped Nathan move into his apartment, Mike and Josh. I spoke extensively with Mike and quickly recognized that he was a very intelligent young man with the highest set of values. His connection with VCU and his professional interests overlapped my career experiences so we had similar interests and aspirations to share. He was filled with intense career goals and it was evident that he had no limitations...a really wonderful young man!!~ He labored intensely for the relocation project and demonstrated that he was a man of high moral values in supporting a new friend. My first impression was fortified over the years as I heard all about Mike through his contacts with Nathan, and an occasional friendly contact when Kathy and I visited Nathan. Mike was a man that I would like to have had the opportunity to have known better and his departure leaves a void in all of us who knew him. My sincerest condolences to all of his family and loved ones. Mike will be missed!

Mike Ruane

November 29, 2017

You will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to your family

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