Dr. Leonard “Mike” August Fahien

MADISON - Dr. Leonard A. "Mike" Fahien passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. He was born on July 26, 1934, in St. Louis.

Mike received his A.B. and M.D. degrees from Washington University at St. Louis. He did his internal medicine residency at University Hospitals, after which he was a postdoctoral fellow for three years. After serving in the U.S. Public Health Service at N.I.H., he became a professor and associate dean of the U.W. Medical School. His prolific research made significant improvements on enzyme purification methods, which he called "new tricks." He provided insight into the role of regulatory enzymes in insulin release - important for the treatment of diabetes. This internationally renowned research found him serving as a visiting professor in Japan, Hungary, Spain, Ireland, and many universities in the U.S.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted, fished, hiked and camped. During his many years at the medical school, he never took a car. He preferred to bike, hike or ski to work.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, of 59 years; his children, Cathy (Mark) Reuter, Lisa (Brett) Uldrich and James Fahien; his six grandchildren, Tom, Andrew and Matthew Reuter and Grace, Grant and Graham Uldrich; and his sister, Lorraine. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Adelheide Fahien, and his brother, Ray.

His pleasant personality and smile will never be forgotten.

Memorial services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Bethel or Agrace HospiceCare, 5935 Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.