A few years ago, when in failing health from heart disease and diabetes, Meyer (Mike) Zisson asked his grandson, a professional woodworker, to build a coffin for him. Zisson, 90, died June 5 in St. Paul.
Judaism prescribes a wooden casket. Brandon Harris of St. Paul had never made a casket, so he thought hard about whether to take on the task. When he did, it became a labor of love, according to a July 14, 2007, Star Tribune article.
The hand-cut cherry wood coffin took 400 hours to build.
Zisson graduated from St. Paul's old Mechanic Arts High School in 1935 and studied finance at what was then the College of St. Thomas.
Next, he went to work for the family business, Twin Cities Cap Co. in St. Paul. In 1945, he and his wife, Glady, of St. Paul launched Zisson Manufacturing, making and selling infant clothing for more than 30 years. And until his retirement in 2000, he was a consultant to a daughter's advertising agency.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, he is survived by his daughters, Natasha Smith of St. Paul, Sandra Valle of St. Paul and D.J. Harris of Minneapolis; sister Stella Forer of Great Neck, N.Y.; five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services have been held.
BEN COHEN
