Emil Meyer Mesinger

Emil Meyer Mesinger. Our loving Father, Brother, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, Emil Mesinger, passed away on the 14th of June 2013. He was born to the late Violet and Jake Mesinger on the 11th of April 1923.

Emil was preceded in death by his Shining Star and Grand Wife and partner, Maxine Mesinger, and his brothers–in-law Leo David and Fred Soifer and Fred and Fanet Soifer’s son, Brad. Emil leaves behind a family rich with memories that include his daughter, Julianne Haas and husband Thomas J. Haas; son, Jay Monroe Mesinger and wife Sandra Lee Mesinger. There was no shortage of Grand Children who will miss their grandfather’s smile, laughter and gentleness. Julie and Tom’s children, Jason and his wife Jennifer Haas, Liza and her husband Randy Curtis, and Kurt and his wife Cynthia Haas. Jay and Sandra’s children, Josh Mesinger, Jessica and her husband Mark Johnson, Adam Mesinger and his wife Ayeisha, and daughter, Hillary Goldstein. Dad always enjoyed his time and the laughter he shared with his great grandchildren, Max and Ella Curtis, Grant, Alex and John David Haas, Charley Johnson and Redding Mesinger. Our family was small yet close. The family circle also included Emil’s sister Fanet Soifer and her children, Jan Soifer and her husband Pat O’Connell, their children Brad and Allison O’Connell as well as Keri and Harvey Franks and their children, Zachary and Austin.

Emil was energetic and creative. Together he and Maxine traveled and entertained the most famous dignitaries and celebrities in the world. Emil could stand up at the drop of a hat and make the most engaging and articulate speech. Whether introducing Maxine as Women of the Century or welcoming Sammy Davis Jr. to Houston, Emil was never left without the words. Emil had a career providing service and style to Houston. He worked in retail almost all of his life, starting at Krauss Company upon his return from World War II in New Orleans to his tenure at Houston’s Sakowitz and then a long and valuable career at Houston’s Tootsies. People would walk into Tootsies and find Emil to have him personally look at a ball gown or cocktail dress to be worn at one of Houston’s society events. They would say, “Emil, what would Maxine think of this outfit”? Even after Maxine’s death, Emil maintained his presence as a Houston mainstay. Emil will be missed by all his family and large circle of friends.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Sunday, the 30th of June, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Steven M. Gross, Rabbi at Houston Congregation for Reformed Judaism, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception, in Emil’s honor, in the adjacent grand foyer. This will be a time to raise a toast and share the wonderful stories that each of you will no doubt have about the Era of Emil and Maxine that will be coming to a close.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family has asked that donations be made to the Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the Baylor Medical Center, 6501 Fannin, Suite NB 100, Houston, TX, 77030; or The Gatherings Interfaith Care Partners of Houston , 701 North Post Oak, Suite 330, Houston, TX, 77024; and Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030.