Morton Levine Obituary (2008) - St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Born January 10, 1916 Duluth. Died January 2, 2008 Minneapolis. Survived by his greatest colleague and partner in life, his wife of 69 years, Natalie. Also survived by daughters, Harriet (Bruce) Bart and Tammy Farace, grandchildren, Bradley (Susan), Eden (Paul), and Gavin (Caprice), and great grandchildren Lea, Aliza, Ellen, Nina and Nathan. Mort was extremely proud of his family and inspired them toward greater humanity. Mort was a career officer with the U.S. Department of Justice, specializing in intelligence, immigration and security. During his career he chased spies, served as an administrative judge in the INS, reported the futility of building a fence along the US Mexico border (1954!), advised the National Security Counsel and US Attorneys General, and fought for the laws of the land. Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Mort’s knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald’s background was crucial to early investigations and resulted in offers of promotion. Choosing family over career Mort and Natalie left Washington, DC and returned to Minnesota to be with their family. In 1975 he retired from his position as Assistant Commissioner of Security Northwest Region. Though blinded in his 50’s Mort remained a seer. In retirement he served as ombudsman at the Minneapolis Jewish Community Center. His wisdom, warmth and optimism touched everyone he met. He remained keenly interested in politics frequently offered advice about past lessons in democracy to local, state, and national politicians and the listening audience of Air America. Politically active into his 90’s, he was pained by the recent erosion of civil liberties and hoped to survive long enough to see them restored. Mort was a true patriot and loved his country beyond measure. Doctors William Rosenberg , David Fine and Jim Schiller provided the utmost in attention and care during Mort’s final years, thank you. The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Doris George who was an exceptional care provider and confidante for Mort during his final months. Special appreciation is also extended to Mary Parker and the dedicated caregivers at Fairview Hospice. Funeral service FRIDAY January 4, 1PM at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Ave., S., Mpls. In lieu of flowers/donations Mort would like everyone to read the Publius’ Federalist Papers and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. SHIVA, Knollwood Place, 3630 Phillips Pkwy., St. Louis Park (Sat 7PM).