Mikhail Leyderman

Mikhail Leyderman, an engineer, decorated World War II veteran, storyteller, and beloved husband, father, Zady, and friend, died on Saturday, July 16, at age 91. With a hunger for living and more time with his family, he fought for his life to the very end. He was and will forever be known for his courage, bravery, wit, generous heart, humor, creativity, and curiosity.

Mikhail was born in Vyzhnytsia, Ukraine, to Israel and Rebecca Leyderman, the second of three children. The family moved to St. Petersburg, Russia, when Mikhail was five. After graduating military school, he was drafted into the army in 1943, and honorably served his country as a senior lieutenant of artillery during WWII. He was wounded in action.

After the war, Mikhail studied engineering at LETI University, where he met his beloved Anna. They married May 9th, 1953 and together raised their daughter, Inna. Mikhail worked as an engineer in Russia until he moved with his family to the Twin Cities in 1979. Passionate for his work, Mikhail was proud that he earned many patents during his professional career in the U.S.

Mikhail is survived by Anna, his wife of 60 years, daughter Inna (Cary) Geller; granddaughters Rachel and Alexandra Geller; brother Yaakov (Fahina) Leyderman; and several nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents and sister Raisa.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 18th at 3:00pm at the Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery Chapel, 70 ½ & Penn Ave., Richfield. SHIVA: 6145 Arctic Way, Edina, MN 55436 (Monday and Tuesday 7:00PM).