Today is Dec 28, 2021 and I sit in remembrance of Mike knowing he is no longer in concern of this world's problems. I do wonder what he would think and say about our family, the Dental College, our city, our state and country. The state of affairs of the world. What would we look like under his microscope at this time. COVID would fascinate him. He would be vaccinated. He would wear a mask. He would do all he could to protect his students and family while making certain life would be as normal as can be.

I was just thinking about Dr. Finkelstein while working with a patient this morning and went to look up where he was now and was shocked and sadden to see this. He was such a good man and teacher. I remember how fondly he talked about his family and I was always like--what a lucky family to have such a sweet father/husband in their lives. He encouraged all the students to be not just better dentists, but better people at home and in our communities.

Miss you Daddy. I was just thinking about how you used to sing "Pretty Woman" to Kylie when she was little. That was SO funny. You were the best dad and papa. Love you always.

Happy Birthday Daddy. I think about you every single day with love and gratitude for being blessed with having you in my life.

Still miss you

So sorry for your loss. Dr. Finkelstein was one of the memorable professors I had in dental school. He had such an impact for teaching a difficult subject but being so soft spoken. It feels like I lost an old friend. Thank you for including him in The Dental Link... Otherwise I would have never known of his passing.

Just saw this in the Alumni Mag. You have my sympathy. I graduated in 84, from dental school, Mike was one of several who I liked. The old retired double dippers from the military, no. Mike was a genuine person. You could talk to him without fear of being berated. Hope you are all well. Keith

We lived across the street from Michael in Velburg, Germany. He was the only GI in Velburg with a phone, which he let us use. We were teachers. We're sorry for your loss. He was a great neighbor.

I recently learned of Michael's pasting and want to express my condolences. I only knew Michael professionally, and never had the of pleasure of meeting him face to face, but spoke with him many times, over the years, on the phone. He was always informative in our discussions of oral pathology and my patients; I should say, our patients, because he always showed concern, kindness and caring towards these people. They were never just another pathology case, but were individual people. I will miss our conversations. I felt a connection to Michael, and truly enjoyed speaking with him. He has been one of the highlights of my career as an Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon. I am sure there are many surgeons around the country that share my sadness. My prayers are with his family.

I just learned of Professor Finkelstein's death today. I am deeply saddened and want to express my deepest sympathy. He was a wonderful, gentle and devoted teacher.

He will be remembered by many , not only in the US but also in Jordan. I will always remember his smile.

Posted by: Aceil Al-Khatib - Jordan. Former Oral Medicine resident . Feb 15, 2014

I just found out about Mike's passing today. I was so sorry to hear this because he was one of my VERY favorite teachers in dental school. He was such a kind, compassionate and wonderful teacher and person. He never made you feel inadequate for asking questions and was such a blessing to the students. Even out in the real world, I still sent him questions and called him for help. He was SUCH a blessing.

There are no words to console the grief that your family is feeling right now. My father passed away when I was in highschool and while time doesn't heal all wounds, somehow it becomes less of an ache each day. Know that my family and I will be praying for you.

I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. Unfortunately I only learned of Mike's death today, but still wanted to add a note to the already long list you have received. I count Dr. Finkelstein as one of the all time best instructors and mentors at the University of Iowa. He knew the true meaning of teaching and leading with students. His gentle ways but extremely intelligent methods always led you down the right path. He made you want to learn more. Which I can tell you not all the instructors could do this! I hope in some small way all the beautiful notes left on the memory page can comfort you knowing Mike was greatly admired and respected as a person dentist and teacher. I worked with Mike in Admissions and Oral Diagnosis at the University of Iowa. My husband was a dental student under Dr. Finkelstein. We lost a great man and am so sorry for you to lose him much to soon...

With Sympathy,

Cam and Pat Elmer

I was a 1976 dental school classmate of Mike's. His manner and demeanor was always one of being a class act. After graduation, family and careers separated many of our classmates. I had the extreme pleasure of reconnecting with Mike a few years back at his presentation for the Sioux City Dental Society. Mike remained a class act. My sympathies to his family and close friends.

Words are not sufficient when someone like Mike passes from our presence. So many messages have described Mike, I don't know how I can add, as I feel all of them are so special. I do know that Mike is one of a handful of people that I have known that has truly had an affect on my life. As a fellow teacher at the COD for over 30 years, I have looked up to him every day, hoping I could emulate his understanding, compassion, and dedication to the profession of teaching. I just can't believe he isn't in his office, just down the hall. I will continue to strive to meet the high standard of teaching that Mike exemplified!! I am so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine the kind of family man he was, and how terribly you must miss him.

So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I worked with him only a short time but I know how much he cared about his students and about the University. He will be missed.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike and was upset that the weather prohibited me from attending his memorial service. Mike was such a joy to know and work with. He was always kind, considerate of others and handled everything in a sensible way. We worked together for about 30 years. He was one of my favorite people in the dental school. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to you, his family.

I was very sad to hear about the loss of one of my favorite professors, Dr. Finkelstein. He had a huge impact on me during dental school. It is obvious from the many messages written here that he was a positive influence on so many people, but was so humble and never asked for anything in return. I will never forget him and I know he will be missed by all. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Michelle (Class of 1992)

We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy. I did not except such an early farewell to my friend and a colleague. Mike had a wonderful character, gentle mind, and he was caring person. We taught medical and dental histology courses together for more than 10 years, and it was an exciting and rewarding experience. I was once criticized that my teaching record was not good enough for promotion to full professorship (around 1994), so Mike set up a codirectorship for me for the summer dental histology course. This worked quite well, many students wrote good letters for me, and I got the promotion in the next year. This was a memorable experience which I do not forget. Since then Mike became increasingly more important in College of Dentistry, and involved in an administrational role and increasingly more, so that our contacts diminished. But I have been seeing Mike in numerous occasions in various University functions, and as I have visited the dental school as a patient. Mike's smile was always there. I did not know Mike was so seriously ill. We wish Mike's soul will rest in peace now and forever. -- Masataka and Satomi Kawai

Rachel and Twila, though weather prevents us from attending Mike's service today you will be in the thoughts and prayers of my mother (Shirley) and I. Mike was a wonderful man and as the "oldest cousin" was held in awe during childhood. In adulthood I learned to love him for the kind of man I saw him to be. He had a way of making you feel that when he talked to you, you were the most important person in the world. His kindness, gentle demeanor and spirit, humbleness and sense of curiosity about everything and everyone around him make him a most special man. I've never met anyone quite like him. He will be missed.

Dr. Finkelstein had the formidable task of being our introduction to dental school. He was our first instructor, and for weeks our only taste of what dental education would be. We loved him for it. Dr. Finkelstein was unequivocally ranked our favorite instructor. His patience, kindness, and excitement for dentistry welcomed us all. The loving stories of his family and distinguished career gave us a glimpse of what might be in our own futures. You could tell by his teaching style that he truly wanted every student to succeed and he would even find time to meet us during lunch just to learn more about who we are. We will miss him dearly.

I began to know Mike when he was a senior dental student and I was a young faculty member. Later I got to know Mike more closely when we both were young faculty progressing thru the ranks. His office was on the other side of my office wall, and while I heard not a beep from that side, I'm sure he heard plenty of loud yells, screams, and laughter from my side.

Dr. Finkelstein always was a person you could count on - during dental school years and after graduation thru phone calls, e-mails, or seeing him at a dental conference. His teaching style and abilities will be sorely missed by future classes at the college of dentistry as there is no one else quite like him - patient, kind and generous with his time. His continued help in oral pathology concerns throughout my professional life have been a blessing. My sincerest sympathy to the family.

Mike is already missed greatly here at the College of Dentistry. Often people say they want to make a difference in this world. Mike certainly achieved this. In so many ways he has changed so many lives for the better. My thoughts and prayers are with you Twila and your family.

Twila, Rachel, and Kylie,

The width and depth of Mike's influence on the people in his life, as read here in the shared memories, is emotional to read and I am thankful for all of you who shared life with him. Mike's influence in my life; he loved my mother, and my sisters an I. He listened to my dreams and encouraged me, even though some were outlandish. He modeled being passionate about your profession, while committed to God and family. He helped me with algebra and continued to support me in advice and guidance throughout my life. His words of praise were frequent. My husband was encouraged by Mike in decisions of military service and higher education. He loved our kids and we loved watching him playing with them, especially involving light-sabers. I always new I would get the best dental care by mentioning "Do you know my dad, Mike Finkelstein?" It was ALWAYS followed up by, "He's the best!" I agree!

We recall seeing Michael at St Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville to which he was a member we believe. He was a very kind and humble man and will be fondly remembered. God bless his family.

I was deeply saddened upon hearing of Dr. Finkelstein's passing. I feel extremely fortunate to have had him as a professor during dental school, as I know many others do as well. I think of all the challenging times during those 4 years and how he was never too busy to listen, explain and be supportive.

Dr. Finkelstein was one of those kind people that I just can't picture without a smile on his face.

My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

Thank you- Dr. Finkelstein for being such a wonderful person and sharing your gift with all of your students. You will be missed by many.

I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Mike and I were childhood friends. From the age five to thirteen, when I moved away from Carthage, Illinois, we were pretty inseparable. Reading these tributes to him, I know that he was someone who was just born the way he was, because he had his gentle, intelligent, humorous character even at a very young age. The world seems a smaller place with the knowledge that he's no longer in it. My condolences.

I am so sad to hear about Mike's passing. He was a dear friend and neighbor. He gave me his Boston Terrier "Corky". I enjoyed visiting with him at our last reunion. He will be missed.

I was so saddened by the news. Mike has always been one of the good guys. He always had that great smile and time for anyone. He was a lab partner in Biology and a pretty good one to have!!! I am so glad that I had time to visit with him at the last class reunion. He will be missed!

Being somewhat inattentive as a student, I was thrilled when I was assigned or able to choose Mike as a lab partner in advanced science classes. He would listen well, take copious notes and then very patiently and with his affable manner, explain procedures and concepts that our instructors may have failed to deliver. It was no surprise to read so many tributes from former students and colleagues, for that was certainly his destiny. His smile will always be the first image I see when his name is recalled. RIP, my friend and condolences to the family.

Twila, Rachel and family,

Our condolences to you and the Finkelstein family. Donna and I are so sorry for your loss. My family moved to Carthage in 1964, and Mike was one of my first and best friends. We last saw Mike at our 40th high school class reunion in Keokuk, IA, and he seemed very happy teaching rather than practicing dentistry.

Mike was such a kind and gentle person, he was always so kind, and warm to everyone that he worked with. The College of Dentistry will not be the same after Mike's passing. He will be missed

Dr. Finkelstein will forever be in my memory. Since I have graduated I would periodically check the dental school website to "check up" on him and see what's new. I was saddened today to find that he has passed on. Dr. Finkelstein was a true model for godly living. As a student I served on some committees with Dr. Finkelstein and with meekness and gentleness he always commanded the attention of the entire room. My thoughts are with his entire family during this difficult time. Good bye, Dr. Finkelstein! I'm going to miss you...

Twila, Rachel and family,

We are so sorry to hear about Michael's death. We did not know him, but from what I am reading we have missed knowing a wonderful, doctor, husband, dad and friend. You have our deepest sympathy and will remember you in our thoughts and prayers.

Twila, Rachel and Family,

Dear Finkelstein family:

I am deeply saddened to hear Dr. Finkelstein's passing. I am fortunate enough to have known and learnt from Dr. Finkelstein for 5 years at the University of Iowa, an experience I will never forget.

Dr. Finkelstein was not only an experienced pathologist/clinician, but also a great mentor. He is my role model for what an amazing teacher should be. His kindness, understanding, sense of humor and positive words will always be remembered. My thoughts and sympathies are with his family.

Among the instructors at the U of I COD, Dr. Finkelstein was a standout! I loved his demeanor. He always gave every student his full attention. He entertained the most absurd questions in a very respectful manner. He was clearly an expert in his field. I can remember a time I had him to my chair in FamD for an oral path consult. The patient was clearly worried about the attention they were receiving for their oral lesion. In the most plain and reassuring way, Dr. Finkelstein put the patient at ease by explaining that it was not a cancerous lesion. I have often thought since that time how I can communicate a message of reassurance to my patients. He made an positive impression on many one could only imagine. Please accept my warmest sympathies for his passing. David Lowman, 2009.

It was with profound sorrow that I learned of Mike's death as he was, without a doubt, the nicest, kindest, and most compassionate person I have ever met. Most know of his exceptional contributions to the Dental College, but I also want to personally thank Mike for his unselfish dedication to the veteran as a consultant and mentor at the Iowa City VA Medical Center and Dental Service. Many veterans benefited from Mike's sincere concern and keen diagnostic skills that spotted oral lesions and cancers, often at an early and treatable stage. Speaking for all the veterans that Mike helped, thank you. My deepest sympathy.

One of my favorite instructors in dental school. I'll always remember his smile and his willingness to stay long after class was over answering questions. My prayers and condolences to his family.

Dr. Finkelstein will forever be remembered as one of the kindest teachers I had during my education. He was an excellent professor. Even after I graduated, I looked for continue education hours taught by him because I knew the quality would be excellent. God bless him and his family.

Everyone at the University of Minnesota looked forward to every day that Dr. Finkelstein was here, bringing knowledge and counsel to a new class of students. He was the epitome of an educator as well as what we all hope to aspire to as a giving individual to everyone, every day. Our thoughts are with you all.

Mike was absolutely the most friendly, optimistic, happy person. He had already become a fixture at University of Minnesota. This is a real loss to Oral Pathology and both the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota.

My thoughts and condolences to his family.

Mike was a great dental school classmate and friend.

Mike was a great listener and always willing to help others.

I was saddened to learn of Mike's passing and want to convey my sympathies

to his family and friends.

There are no words to accurately describe Mike Finkelstein. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met, his smile is contagious, and he was always so helpful to me in my position and all others around him. I so enjoyed saying good morning to him each morning around 7:00 AM as I walked by his office because I knew I would get that special smile and hello. Dr. Finkelstein was so dedicated to his students and his Department and the College was so very fortunate to have him as a faculty member. He will be greatly missed by everyone but I have to say thank you to him for touching my life and being a true friend and colleague.

We could use every positive, Spiritual and passionate phrases and words for Mike. I am blessed to have worked with him at the College of Dentistry and spoke many times with him at church. What a wonderful soul that touched many many lives. Thanks be to God

So sorry to hear about your husband Twila.

Twila, Rachel & Family

We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Michael always had a smile or a kind greeting when seeing him in neighborhood. He will definitely be missed. May happy memories comfort you during this difficult time and in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer & Brad Swearingen

Dr. Michael Finkelstein was one of the finest person I've ever known. It's been a great honor to have known him and learned from him. He was a very good teacher and a great person...so knowledgable, supportive, understanding and kind. I'm very sorry for his passing. May he rest in peace. I will always remember his positive attitude, laugh and encouraging words. My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

I am blessed to have been a student of Dr. Finkelstein. I found him to be one of the best role models for anyone with whom he came into contact. He was caring, positive, wise, motivating and a truly fine person. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and convey my sympathies to his family on their loss.

God blessed Mike with the gift of teaching, encouragement, patience, kindness and love. He blessed so many beyond measure. I am forever grateful to call him Teacher, Mentor, Colleague and Friend. I have no doubt that the Heavenly Hosts are welcoming him home with songs and praise and the Lord himself is saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant, well done."

Mike was a teacher and friend extraordinaire. His students, friends, family and colleagues always came before himself. I recall that he had so many teaching awards that he ran out of wall space in his office. He is missed by many across the country. I feel fortunate to have worked with him for over ten years. I know that I am a better person because of having known Mike.

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Finkelstein. I knew him as a teacher and later as a colleague. My memories of Dr. Finkelstein bring a smile to my face. He was always easy going and very approachable. In my opinion, the college has a void that will never be filled. I'm sure he had the same impact on those who encountered him in his personal life. You left a strong positive impact on me. Zack

"That is an excellent question!" In my short career, your guidance has helped me diagnose 1-3 oral cancers per year. You teaching saved so many lives. I was only ONE student...

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Finkelstein was an excellent teacher who always went out of his way for his students. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family.

My prayers and thoughts are with all of your family. I will never forget Mike and his kindness. Peace be with you.

Mike was the consummate student, teacher, diagnostician, and practitioner and I was proud to have been his pre-doctoral and, post-doctoral teacher and colleague. His devotion to his students, his patients and his colleagues and family was not only deep but wide. Our department is indebted to you and I will miss you old friend.

This obituary and site to leave messages is very nice and I wish to add my own respects and condolences to the family and others.

So sad to hear about this. He was one of my favorite teachers in dental school and a wonderful person to be around.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. As a graduate of the dental college and a practicing dentist in Iowa, Dr. Finkelstein was a great resource to the entire dental profession. He was always available for a phone call if I had a question or problem. I am very sad and I will miss his wisdom, professionalism, his calm attitude and his smile.

Lynn Griebahn DDS Marco Island Florida

Twila, my thoughts are with you and your family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. - Jane Moeckli

Dr. Finkelstein was one of the nicest professors I have ever encountered. He was easy going, easy to talk to, always trying to help students, and was more of a friend than most professors to his students. He definitely made his mark on all of the students he taught at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He will be missed greatly. It saddens me that future dental students won't be able to experience such a great man. I am sorry for your loss. Dr. Finkelstein is and forever will be in our hearts!

I always enjoyed running into mike on my teaching day at the dental school. He was always smiling and happy to see me. I have not known a more compassionate, caring individual and one who will be missed by all he came in contact with. His positive attitude made it enjoyable to be around him. He definitely belongs in the life Hall of Fame.

I never had a kinder or more knowledgeable professor in all my years of college. Dr Finkelstein was truly one of a kind. I feel very lucky I had the chance to know him and learn from him, and I'm terribly saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

Dr. Finkelstein was an extraordinary teacher that made you want to learn the microstructures of all of the oral cavity and the human body with exacting accuracy. He was always positive and upbeat about all of the questions that our class threw at him...even though some did not make sense to the subject at hand. "Well (name), that is an interesting thought process, however..." as he went on to explain the correct direction of the topic of the day. A faculty that made you feel more like a friend than a student is uncommon and was a welcomed pleasure to our first year of dental school.

During my college years I met Mike because I became friends with his stepdaughter, Angela. Mike and Twila opened their home to me more times than I can count during those years. I am forever grateful to them for their hospitality. Mike had such an easygoing, caring, gentle way about him. I've never met anyone that loved their career more than Mike. What a wonderful thing. I am so grateful that I was able to spend some time with Mike recently. I will never forget what he said to me when I saw him last, 'Whitney, you've aged so well'. THANK YOU MIKE! That was what was so great about you - you knew how to say it and how to say it in just the right way. You'll be missed. Special thoughts and love to Twila, Angela and Rachel right now.

My heart is so heavy with the loss of Dr. Finkelstein. I feel blessed to have known him and to have had the opportunity to be one of his many students. I hope that in his passing he leaves many who strive to be as humble, patient, compassionate and driven to excellence in education and practice as he demonstrated daily. My deepest sorrows go out to the Finkelstein family.

A most magnificent teacher and I was lucky enough to sit in his classroom. Probably one of the most modest and approachable people I have been in contact with even though his intelligence and vast knowledge could be intimidating. As an instructor of Histology and Oral pathology he had a major challenge to keep the subject interesting. He did so with a passion rarely found and never duplicated. It's safe to say that patients treated by students of Dr. Finkelstein are better off as a result. Thank you and you will be missed.

How can a person make a subject that is fairly dry come to life? Dr Finkelstein had that gift. He taught years of students to truly enjoy whatever he taught. It is rare to find a teacher that touches your heart so deeply! My prayers to his family. I can only imagine how special he was to you! He was a rare gem!

I am so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed.

Michael's intellect was conveyed with a humility and kindness that was uncommonly welcoming. It's no wonder his influence was so expansive.

Dr. Finkestein was an amazing Doctor, teacher and colleague. One that will never be forgotten in his kind and compassionate ways in everything he did. He was one of a kind and will truly be missed. All the family will be in our prayers during this difficult time but rest assured this man touched the lives of MANY! God Bless.

As many people have probably shared so many times over the years, Dr. Finkelstein help mold the student I needed to be to succeed in dental school. I worked with him on a few events as the student representative of our class and in private times I sought academic help in areas I was having difficulty...in both arenas he was always there to listen and then listen again. Like a "Dad" he ultimately wanted "you" and in this case "Me" to find my answer, or my path. I am unaware of how he passed, but know that I am one voice among many that express our thanks in letting him be late for dinner to help us just a couple more minutes. He is an inspiration! Many thanks and well wishes to your family.

Dr. Finkelstein was the epitome of a teacher and a human being. I will always remember him fondly for his gentleness when I was wrong, his patience when I did not understand, his care when I was frustrated, his knowledge when I was lost and his listening when I needed a friend. My heart is heavy as I send my love and condolences to his family. I am also saddened that so many future minds will not be able to benefit from being in his presence.

Dr. Finkelstein was an amazing instructor, and one I admired greatly. He was such a kind-hearted, approachable, intelligent, down-to-earth human being. My sincere condolences to his family.

To the Finkelstein family, my condolence. He was a great educator who made difference in so many peoples personal and professional lives. He will be greatly missed.

Mike was a warm and compassionate colleague and a steadfast member of the College of Dentistry faculty. He was always kind and giving of his time to anyone who needed his expertise, whether a student, patient or colleague. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Steve Aquilino

So very hard to hear of the passing of Dr. Finkelstein.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Finkelstein on modifying his continuing education program for dentists many years ago. Our challenge was to make a 'boring' topic more interesting. My memories of Dr. Finkelstein are of a man with a wonderful sense of humor, great intelligence, and generosity.

I knew Dr. Finkelstein for a short while, but as others will mention, he was the kindest individual I have ever known. I was fortunate to get to speak with him about a month ago - talking about plans for Christmas. He was, as always, very positive and happy, even though I could tell he was physically not himself. He will be greatly missed.

I will always remember our last visit with you, how Bailey and Kerrigan made you laugh with their stories and humor. I loved sharing January birthday month with you. I will always be honored to share my birthday forever being the day to remember you.

Twyla, Rachel, and Kylie,

Mike was one of the nicest people I have ever known, such a loving and caring friend, father, and grandfather. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will miss stopping in to see him when I take the boys to their orthodontic appointments, and I will miss chatting with him at church. He was always such a good friend to Abbie. May God bless you now and always...Sherry