Michael Elliott Krasnow

Michael was born on June 26, 1939, in Chicago to the late Morris and Edith Krasnow. As a kid, he lived in Chicago, California, and Oklahoma. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he served as a radioman. He was extremely proud of his service in the Navy, often attending ship reunions.

Following the Navy, he enrolled and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. From OU he got: a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a JD in law, and most importantly, his life partner, Carol, who he met in his freshman philosophy class. He also became a diehard OU sports fan.

Michael practiced law in Oklahoma City for almost 50 years. He was a proud, trusted lawyer, and in recent years conducted legal education programs in schools in Florida.

With Carol, Michael had three sons, Mark, David, and Joel. He coached their little league baseball teams, took many family vacations, and instilled in his sons deep values, a strong worth ethic, and a love of baseball (Michael was a devoted, long-suffering White Sox fan).

Being a part of the Jewish community was an important part of Michael’s life. He was active and served in leadership roles at Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City – including serving as president – and Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota. In both communities he formed numerous strong friendships.

Once Michael and Carol became empty nesters, they: bought a boat and spent many weekends on the lake, became even more rabid OU fans, traveled extensively, and loved seeing and spending time with their grandchildren.

After 58 years of marriage, during which Carol largely doted on and cared for Michael, for the past two years, their roles reversed and Michael became Carol’s devoted, loving caretaker.

Michael is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; his children, Mark (Faith), David (Beth), and Joel (Andrea); his eight grandchildren, Jonah, Benjamin, and Eliana; Nicole, Alex, Avery, and Matthew; McKinley; and his sister, Judy Krasnow.

His brother Robert predeceased him.

A funeral service for Michael will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237. Following the funeral service will be a military honors graveside service at 1:30 PM at Temple Beth Sholom Cemetery, 801 Circus Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232.

The family requests that any donations be made in Michael’s memory to Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237.