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Ex-Freshman Mike Beisner dies of heart attack Sang with the Freshmen for 13 years 07/07/2008

Mike Beisner with the 1991-92 Freshmen line-up

Michael Lee Beisner, known by fans as one of the most exciting members of The Four Freshmen legacy, died of a heart attack July 6 in Las Vegas.

Four Freshmen Society President Dick Baldwin made the announcement in a message to fans, saying that Mike h"had a history of diabetes and also experienced a heart attack and stroke in later life."

"He and (his first) wife Connie had three children, two sons and a daughter.

"Services were scheduled at the Griffith United Methodist Church (LV) this Thursday, July 10 followed by a reception, a series of musical presentations by his many jazz friends. Freshmen alumni also planned to participate.

"He was also married to recent wife Terry James.

"Mike first joined the Freshmen in 1982, replacing the late Ken Albers. He stayed with the group for the next six years through August, 1988. He returned to the FF line-up in 1990 and performed until September, 1992 for a total of 13 years.

"A Stan Kenton Orchestra alumnus on trumpet and flugelhorn, he remained musically active in Vegas.

"For the past eight years Mike worked with various geotechnical engineering firms, designing and managing multiple test labs.

"Did he/we have a Beisner favorite? YES! Recall his 'Sophisticated Suite' re Duke Ellington on the 'Fresh' CD.

"In Vegas his close friends were mentor Bob Flanigan and pal Rod Henley, plus other lifelong musicians. That was the talented Mike Beisner, a star on any stage!"

Excerpts from his obituary

The following are excerpts from his obituary which was published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

"Michael was born April 1, 1955, in Denver, to Orville 'Red' and Jeanie Beisner. Michael attended grade school in Blue Springs, Mo., and graduated from Lawrence, Kan., High School in 1973.

"After working with mentors, Stan Kenton and Clark Terry, he attended the University of Kansas at Lawrence.

"In 1975, he began his touring performance career, including touring with Paul Grey's 'Gaslight Gang Band'.

"On Thanksgiving Day 1982, Mike received an unforgettable call from a man who would become his lifelong friend, Bob Flanigan, inviting him to become a member of the famous 'Four Freshmen'. Mike eagerly accepted the offer and toured with the group for 13 years.

"In 1985 and 1986, the group was nominated for two Grammy Awards.

"During the last eight years, Michael worked with various geotechnical engineering firms in Las Vegas, designing and managing multiple test labs. Most recently, he worked alongside close friends at Angle Engineering, while still performing with lifelong friends in the music business.

"He is survived by his first wife, Connie; and their children, sons, Matthew and Corbin; and daughter, Lauren, all of Las Vegas; mother, Jeanie of Yuma, Ariz.; sister, Sheri Whitfield and her family of Lawson, Mo.; his most recent wife, Terry James and her family; and numerous friends.

"He was preceded in death by his beloved father, 'Red'."