Michael L Czechanski
February 02, 1945 - March 30, 2015
Obituary
MIDDLETON-Michael Lee Czechanski, age 70, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital, after a brief stay, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on February 2, 1945, in Two Rivers, the son of Harold and Elizabeth (Griep) Czechanski. Mike was united in marriage to Patricia Jean Kraemer on June 28, 1969 in Plain. He was a strong man who loved his family, was passionate about giving back and helping his community. He had a love of geography and made his mark contributing to the field of Cartography. Mike was a patient, compassionate, accepting and focused person. He had a quiet confidence that made him a perfect leader under pressure. Combining these gifts with a passion for serving his community he was a founding and organizing member of Middleton EMS, where he proudly served as a volunteer EMT for 25 years. His integrity wasn’t preached but powerfully delivered by example, transforming those around him. There is nothing Mike liked more than spending time with his family and 3 grandchildren – who were the source of much love and joy for him. There wasn’t a do-it-yourself project he couldn’t tackle and he loved doing special things for others in thoughtful, subtle ways. When called upon for help Mike responded without question and left you feeling loved and cared for- it was his personal way to make a difference. Mike preferred to look at the lighter side of life, quick to insert his wit, which certainly was a testimony to his intelligence and clever mind. Despite the health challenges the last decade of his life, he never complained. He would express joy and deliver a smile with such brightness – the kind that can only come from the inside. Mike touched the lives of many and will be so deeply missed. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Patricia; son MichaelPaul; daughter Andrea (Jim) Frelka; grandchildren Adam, Ella, and Evan Frelka; sister Kay Czechanski; brother-in-law Dr. Glodys St-Phard; a wonderful and large extended family and many great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Barbara St-Phard. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2015, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton from 4 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 and also on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the Mass at the church. Memorials may be made in Mike’s name to the Second Harvest of Southwest Wisconsin. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Apr 9, 2015 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI
Photos
Memories
KW
Karil Walther
Other •
I learned many things from Mike Cz - particularly CPR and emergency driving. His high standards and passion made us better people. He touched many lives. Thinking of you are this time of sorrow. Karil
DD
DARRYL DAVIS
Other •
SENDING WARM THOUGHTS OUT TO PATTY AND HIS FAMILY.
MIKE WAS A GREAT GUY, VERY EASY TO LIKE.
11:00 WARM WATER THERAPY CLASS AT HARBOR ATHLETIC CLUB WILL NOT BE THE SAME. TODAY, WE ALL DID OUR FROG AND BIRD SOUNDS WITH TEARS IN OUR EYES BECAUSE IT WAS WHAT MIKE WOULD HAVE WANTED US TO DO. WE THEN GAVE OUT A TRADITIONAL WHOAAAAAAAAAAA! WHEN KATHY ASKED HOW WE WERE DOING.
I KNOW WE WERE NOT FRIENDS AWAY FROM HARBOR, BUT I JUST GOT THIS WARM FEELING WHEN I WAS AROUND MIKE. MY HEART SANK TODAY AND I'VE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PICK MYSELF UP. BUT I KNOW I HAVE TO BECAUSE MIKE WOULD WANT THAT.
R.I.P. MY FRIEND.
DARRYL "D" DAVIS
JB
June Bennett
Other •
Mike (or "Cz..." as he called himself) worked in the Cartography Lab on the UW campus in the late 60s, early 70s when I worked there. Cz... was a fun, understanding soul, so I have lots of treasured memories. Love to Patty and all the family. Peace, blessings, and HUGS! June (Sulli) Bennett
PK
Polly Kraemer
Other •
Our deepest sympathy to Patty and the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers for continued strength and healing. Polly and Joe Kraemer
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Andrea
Other •
To My Dad:
It is with a heavy heart that I share in the sadness for the loss of my Dad. I feel blessed to have had over a year to come to terms with the realization that I was going to have to say good-bye to my Dad, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 highly metastatic prostate cancer. However, nothing can prepare you for the final letting go. How do you let go of a Patriarch of the family, which my Dad truly was. My dad was that unique combination of strong yet loving and kind, I don't think he ever judged anyone. He didn't need to be the center of attention, yet through his presence everyone knew when he was in the room! He had a strong conviction to be there for his family and the love and protection only a father can give was deeply felt. He was extremely generous with his time and talents, always there to help anyone and especially his family and me. One of my favorite memories was when I got my first apartment in college. Being the independent person I am, I purchased a dresser, borrowed his tools and put it together myself. When I competed it and the drawers were not closing. I called my Dad and that night he came downtown to take a look. Come to find out I didn't tighten the screws enough (probably stripped most of them) and he just smiled and finished the job for me! That was my Dad, he loved to help and we all loved the feeling of being taken cared of!! My Dad led by example and there are so many character traits I hope to keep alive from my Dad; he was patient and compassionate and really accepted people for who they are. He really lived in the present moment, let the past be in the past and took each day in stride. I don’t think he ever complained and put SOOOO much passion into EVERYTHING he did. Whether it was buying the whole bee-keepers gear to eradicate wasps that somehow managed to navigate into our basement or teaching defensive driving to EMT’s or making 5 different kinds of soup for our annual broomball party. He loved whatever activity he was immersed in the moment! He had a witty sense of humor with subtle jokes you had to pay close attention to in order to catch. One of my favorites, if ever anyone was putting something together and struggling... he would ask, "Did you RTFM?" said with a clever smile. He had some great one-liners that will be alive in me forever. One of my favorites, "You don't hate anything, you just dislike it immensely!" I am so grateful for my Dad, so grateful my Mom had such a wonderful man in her life. I will miss my Dad so deeply. He was loved beyond words and I know his protective and loving presence will be watching over us always.
PC
pamela Chehade
Other •
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and all the Kraemer family. Happy Easter to all.
Pam Neider Chehade