Funeral Details

Dear Michael(El Cholo),
I was so lucky to have you as my best friend. I can’t believe that you are gone now almost 30 years after we met. I will forever treasure the moments with shared, I learned so much from you. You knew everything about every single topic. Thank you for being always there for me. I will always remember your smile and laugh. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
We will meet again. Your friend. Monica


Monica Wood-Prince

Will always miss you

Mike Brander

Michael was a truly kind soul that made this tough world of ours a kinder and gentler place. It was my honor to work with Michael for 22 years at the CPS law department. We sometimes discussed law but nearly always I left his office smarter about the world around us as Michael taught me about a certain book, song or language. He will be missed.

Jim Ciesil

From the minute I met Mike I knew we would be friends. His intelligence, kindness and easy nature was simply infectious. He influenced me in many ways and I will miss him dearly. I cherish every meal, movie, golf outing and conversation we ever had. I will miss you friend. Love Mike , Pip, Sasha and Madeleine.

Michael Rom

I met Mike years ago while practicing law. Mike was just a wonderful man. I had not seen him since prior to the beginning of the pandemic. Last Wednesday, I had to take a route outside of my usual path and I bumped into Mike downtown. We stopped and chatted for a few minutes and I wished him well. I am forever grateful that I had those last moments with Mike that happened out of pure chance.

The morning after our encounter, I actually sent Mike an email noting how happy I was that we had the chance to see each other after years of not seeing people in person due to COVID. That was the kind of person that Mike was. He treated people with respect and kindness. He was honest and honorable. He was the kind of person who made you want to thank him just for being able to see him again after a long absence.

I will miss him tremendously. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.


Frank Kress

You shall never leave me-I shall never leave you

Mike Brander

A few years ago, I had the honor of raising a toast to Michael Cohen on the occasion of his special birthday celebration. I spoke of the many and various ships that sail upon the sea. I concluded by noting that the greatest ship of all is FRIENDSHIP - and may it always be.

I met Michael in 1984. We were colleagues in the Law Department of the Chicago Board of Education. We became close friends and remained so to this day.

We shared intellectual curiosity; we shared a reciprocal sense of humor; we shared cups of coffee; we shared rounds of golf; our families shared bread together; we shared good times and bad times; and we shared our hopes and dreams.

Now, I share heartfelt grief and a deep sense of loss. However, I know that there can be no grief in the absence of love. Love inhabited all of our shared time together.

To the family - LOVE abides. I pray that this love will strengthen and sustain you always.


Percival Harmon

Michael -

I remember back in the 1960's, we would regularly visit your family in Iowa, and you would visit us in Minnesota. As a young child, I very much looked up to you. You knew everything about everything, and you were as kind and principled as you were intelligent. As I grew older, my childhood perceptions of many people changed - but they never changed about you. You really did know know everything about everything, and were such a smart, honorable man. You were a good man, and the world benefited from your presence. We will miss you so much.

Here is a remembrance that my Uncle Ira Kurlander shared with me.

'I remember Ida and Max's first trip to New York with their boys. Dad must have driven us to Jones Beach, the boys of course had never been on the coast or even the great lakes. As we came out of the tunnel from the parking lot to the beach, Michael said: "that is a really big pool”. He was of the age you knew he meant it.'


David Kurlander

Michael and I met through our work at the Illinois Industrial Commission. I loved Mike’s wry and dry sense of humor. Our time together was always full of laughter and I looked forward to our tea time after our mornings at the commission.

Mike beamed with pride when he spoke of and showed pictures of Benjamin. It was such a pleasure to be in his company. I will miss him but God will enjoy the laughs.

Donna Cooper
September 28, 2022


Donna Cooper

I was so sad to learn of Michael's death, and I send my deepest sympathy to his wife, son and entire family.
Michael, a colleague in the workers' compensation community, was a true gentleman and a fine attorney. His intelligence, kindness, warmth and sense of humor made it a pleasure to have cases with him. He will be missed, and his memory will surely be a blessing.

Ann-Louise Kleper

I met Michael over 20 years ago. He was always kind and positive. Throughout the years whenever we used to see each other on our way to work, we would stop and chat for a little bit. I always loved hearing the updates about Benjamin, you could tell how proud he was of his son and how much he loved his family. We will miss him.

Lana and Benjamin, we are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.

Elizabeth and Elise

Elizabeth Ribbeck

Michael was a happy, good and kind man. It was almost impossible not to like him once you met him.
He was funny and could take the worst situation and make you laugh. He was supportive of his friends. He was a part of our group and will be missed. He had the biggest and brightest smile, and the biggest heart. I use to joke with him that if I ever got on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, that he was going to be my life line. Michael was. very Knowledgeable, but never a “ know-it-all. He was an excellent Attorney. He knew no colors, or religion, only individuals.
He will be missed by every one who knows him.
Rest In Peace my friend.

Hon. Cheryl Starks,( Ret.)

Cheryl Starks

The Koller family are so sorry for your loos and we all send our condolences. I forgot to sign the book in person but wanted you to know what a beautiful tribute you made for Michael. Sam sends his love from Massachusetts.

With Sympathy,
Debbie Koller and Family

Deborah Benjamin-Koller