Michael William McWilliams

MADISON- Michael McWilliams, age 68, died March 20, 2014, in Madison. Mike was born in La Crosse to John “Jack” E. and Roselyn C. (Clements) McWilliams. Mike attended St. James Grade School and a graduate of Edgewood High School. After high school, his family moved to Portage where they owned and operated the Portage Theater. Shortly after high school and moving to Portage, Mike joined the Navy. He married his wife Marilyn Mader in 1982. They spent 32 happy years together. Mike had a severe stroke in 2001, which changed his life but not his spirit. Mike was known as the man with an infectious smile but, Marilyn always said it was “a shit eaten grin”. Mike was employed at Sub Zero Refrigeration as a Quality Assurance Inspector at the time of his stroke and Dorn Hardware and always was there to lend a hand to anyone that needed it. Mike is survived by his wife, Marilyn, son, Michael (Kathy); stepchildren, whom he raised as his own, Joe (Jessica) Kowalske & Kim (Seth) Carroll; and extended family members, Scott (Sheryl) Simer. The loves of his life were his grandchildren where he became their Papa. His loving grandchildren are Hunter, Hailey & Lilly Kowalske, Jacob & Simon Carroll, Steven, Ryan & Kylee McWilliams, Jessica (Joseph) Woodward, Krystal, Julia, Kayla and Jenna Simer, which was the sparkle in his eye including his two great-grandchildren, Christopher & Allysa Woodward. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Jude) and Jimmy (DeAnn); sisters, Mary (Mike) Underkofler, Dutchie (Mike) Flegle, Margaret (Bob) Halstead, Rosy (Jim) Bartells and Joani (Paul) Ferman. He is also survived by his other families, which were mother-in-law, Kathleen Mader; brother-in-law, Tom (Ann) Mader, sisters-in-law, Vicki Mader, Jeanne (Nick) Kessenich, Amy Zelinski (Doug) and Karen Thompson (Dave). His best companion ever, his dog Elle Mae, will miss him dearly. In addition, very special friends, Carol Blount and his fishing buddy, Steve Mautz. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Patty and Shelley McWilliams; brother, Joe; and little sister, Ann; father-in-law, George Mader. The family would like to thank their Steamfitters Local 394 Brothers and Sisters who had always come to their rescue. We would like to thank Dr. F. Edelman for his continued care since Mike’s stroke and Dr. Deborah Williams and Nurse Mary and the wonderful staff and participants of the Colonial Club and the loving care, and the staff of the two Nursing Homes he had been in the past 7 years and to a wonderful Team from Agrace for helping Mike to go with Dignity and Grace. A special thank you to Jim M. of Transit Solutions for providing transportation to Doctor visits. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11 a.m., with Father Joji-Reddy Allam presiding. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Until me meet again, God Bless all of you and THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. Please, always remember to say “I Love You”. Hug your children and grandchildren, for it might be your last. After Mike had his stroke, Mike and Marilyn would say, every night,” I love you today, I will love you tomorrow and I will love you, Always”. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.