Michael J. Poskie

MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE–Michael J. "Mike" Poskie, age 73, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on Feb. 12, 1943, in Antigo, the son of Ted and Katherine (Corona) Poskie. Mike attended Birnamwood Grade School and Birnamwood High School and graduated in 1961. He was a salesman for S.J. Casper Company in Milwaukee and Milwaukee Cheese in Madison before retiring at 62. After retirement, he worked part-time at TSA. Mike was an avid Badgers, Packers and Indianapolis Colts fan. His last hurrah was watching the last game of the World Series with his son and two good friends, Andy and Bob, wearing his Cub's hat and having his four sips of Hamm's beer. Mike was a car enthusiast, his 55' Chevy Nomad and 58' Chevy Impala were his pride and joy. He and his son, Steve, participated every year in the Fifty's Car Show in St. Paul, Minn. Mike had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes; he was a very positive person. His one regret in life was that he missed becoming an Eagle Scout by one merit badge. Mike is survived by his son, Steve; former wife of 37 years, Betty; cousins, Jim, Joanna, Barbara and Mary Carol; nephews, Derek, Steven and Kyle; nieces, Tammy, Mitchelle and Julie; all of their spouses; many other relatives and friends, and his cat, Snowball. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Carol. A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. A second Celebration of Mike's Life will be held at SCHMIDT AND SCHULTA FUNERAL HOME, 445 Main St. Birnamawood, Wis., from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Dean Hematology/Oncology Clinic, 1200 John Q Hammons Dr., Madison, WI, 53717. The family would like to give special thanks to all of the staff at Dean Hematology/Oncology Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital, Wildwood Clinic and Belmont Nursing Home. "May your gas tank be forever full on your cruise through Heaven." Love you Dad, Steve.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420