Michael W. Lamberty

BLACK EARTH - Michael Lamberty, age 66, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded in love and support not only in his last hours and days, but throughout his 11-month journey, particularly by his devoted wife Pam. Her unwavering faith in God and commitment to both her husband and our Lord made his journey not only bearable, but truly an inspiration. Despite so much pain, the last months of his life were undoubtably some of his best, and his family can find comfort in knowing his soul ultimately found a beautiful resting place with God.

Mike was born in Racine, Wis., on Aug. 6, 1956. Despite growing up in a big city, he was an outdoorsman at heart. His summers were spent working on his Aunt Marie and Uncle Elmer’s (Ganser) farm at Fish Lake, which he found great joy in doing. There he would learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Fish Lake was truly his second home, and a place he cherished his entire life. Even in his final months, he still found peace being with his son, brother-in-law Chuck and nephew Luke at the lake, fishing, sharing stories, and sometimes just sitting in silence. Fish Lake was also where he met his life-long friend (and eventual brother-in-law), Len Hornung, who shared in his “work hard, play hard” mentality. They enjoyed many laughs and a lot of mischief over the years. It was only fitting they would fall in love with sisters, forever sealing their bond as friends and brothers.

Pam and Mike had their first date on 7/7/77. They were married almost exactly one year later on July 8, 1978. Together they raised their three children primarily on the Bollig Farm where Pam’s father, Delbert, had grown up. Their home was a special spot for family gatherings and trap shoots, which Mike particularly loved. He was an excellent cook and grill master, something that will be missed by all who were lucky enough to enjoy his creations.

For nearly 44 years, Mike worked in printing. Though the company changed hands several times, many of the people did not, and he had friendships that lasted his lifetime. His knowledge and experience in his work was admired and respected, and he truly enjoyed it. Ironically, all three of his children would go on to work in print, something he was very proud of. He was even fortunate enough to work alongside his son for part of his career. He loved to listen to his daughters talk about their work and enjoyed many nights of sharing stories about the business.

Despite his quick-wit and funny sense of humor, Mike was often a quiet man who liked his privacy. He enjoyed drives listening to the Brewers games, fishing, and playing slots. Eventually the cancer started to take away his independence, and he was forced to accept more help than he was comfortable with. But this also gave him perspective on what it truly means to love and be loved, even on the hardest of days. He was so grateful to Pam for never giving up on him and being by his side until his very last breath. At last, he is at peace.

Mike is survived by his adoring wife of 44 years, Pamela (Bollig); daughter, Jessica (Chris) McFarland, and their children, Harrison, Nora and Grace; son, Justin (Renee) Lamberty, and their children Devan, Hannah, Isabel and Michael; and daughter, KC Lamberty; sisters, Barbara (Ron) Porter, Gail (Gene) Beyer and Wanda Lamberty; and brother, Dean Lamberty; mother-in-law, Mary Bollig; brothers-in-law, Steve Bollig, Randy (Roxanne) Bollig and Chuck Bollig; and sister-in-law, Paula (Len) Hornung. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, including his godsons, David Lamberty and Garrison Bollig, and special nephews, Luke Hornung and Matt Pangrazi.  He was preceded in death by his father, Morritz Lamberty; father-in-law, Delbert Bollig; sister-in-law, Nancy Bollig; nephew, Chris Pangrazi; godsons, Patrick Lamberty, and Brandon Bollig; and second family, Marie and Elmer Ganser, and their son,Clayton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, with Father Scott Jablonski presiding. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at Gunderson Cross Plains Funeral and Cremation Care, 2421 Church St., and at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass on Friday.

Michael‘s family would like to thank his oncology team at UW Hospital and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care they provided to our husband and father. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141