Michael G Guenther

MADISON - Michael G. “Mike” Guenther was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia in 2017 and patiently endured seven challenging years before passing away peacefully, at the age of 81, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wis., on May 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on Sept. 19, 1942, to George and Hildegarde (Eirich) Guenther in Sheboygan, Wis.

Upon graduation from South High School, he completed four years at St. Norbert College obtaining a

Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Navy as an Officer Candidate, training at Newport, R.I., followed by a tour of duty as a LTJG Supply Core Officer stationed at Keflavik, Iceland. While there, Mike met his future wife, Barbara Pulvermacher, in a twist of fate. She was working as a nurse in Milwaukee and her cousin also in the U.S. Navy in Iceland but home for a visit, suggested Mike might make a good pen pal. He was and a few months later they met after he finished duty in Iceland and was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station in Waukegan, Ill. They were married on April 27, 1968, and enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. Mike was honorably discharged in 1968 obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. He continued to work for Navy Audit until moving to Madison in 1971 to start a 32-year career as an IRS agent/auditor with the Internal Revenue Service. Commended for his hard work, he received several awards before retiring in 1998.

Grateful for his early retirement, Mike enjoyed travel with Barb especially to Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and many road trips beyond. Sheboygan, his boyhood home, always held a special place in his heart. Returning home often, besides visiting family, he always enjoyed a butter burger at the Charcoal Inn, stopping at Miesfeld`s Meat Market for brats and picking up hard rolls and sweets at his favorite bakery.

Mike was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and had a special love for UW sports especially football and the games he enjoyed through the years as a season basketball ticket holder.  A major highlight for him was the trip he and Barb made to California in 1999 to watch the Badgers win the Rose Bowl.

Simple pleasures made Mike happiest: reliving his college SBK Fraternity escapades, drinking a good Southern Comfort Old Fashioned Sweet cocktail, working the daily Sudoku puzzle, long walks, afternoon naps, and downing Johnsonville brats topped off by chocolate chip cookies.

Mike had a quiet personality and an unassuming sense of humor and especially enjoyed sarcasm. Late night tv show hosts, Johnny Carson and David Letterman were among his favorite comedians. In addition, a good detective show especially, Columbo, wasn’t to be missed.  

The happiest times in Mike’s life were his 56 years of marriage to Barb and the births of his three children and eight grandchildren all of whom made him proud.   By example, he taught them the importance of humility, generosity, hard work and good financial planning.

Some of the grandkid’s fondest memories of their Grandpa, Papa, G-pa: being the best SANTA ever even when they had figured out who he was, when he played the scary “CLAW” who loved chasing them around,  benefiting from the 529 plans he implemented for their educations , the annual trips he hosted to Little Amerricka and dinners at Fitz`s on Lake Wisconsin after camping at Merry Macs. But most of all they will remember the love he gave, and they felt.

Michael is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Becky Gerg; sons, Rob (Holly) Guenther and Randy (Kim) Guenther; grandchildren, Matthew and Rah Gerg, Kailey, Courtney and Austin Guenther, Jacob, Gabe and Eleanor Guenther; and many friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Hildegarde Guenther; sister-in-law, Kathy Liegel; and brother-in-law, Robert Pulvermacher

The family would like to thank the compassionate staffs of Hospice Palliative Care, Home Hospice and especially Agrace for making Mike’s last days comfortable and dignified. Gratitude and love is also extended to Jasmine Bingham, the family’s CNA home helper, who made Mike’s stay at home possible the last two years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Wisconsin Chapter, Agrace Hospice or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002