MADISON - On Sept. 8, 2024, Michael John Minash, loving friend, uncle, brother and furry dad, passed away at the age of 75, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike was not alone, the love of his life, Linda; her sister, Patty; and niece, Angela, were at his side.

Mike did not enter this world alone but with his twin brother, Keith. The boys lived a rather adventurous life in West Allis, where they were involved in little league, working on the farm and always seemed to have grandma and mom wondering what they would get into next. Mike’s family moved to Madison during his teen years, and he graduated from Central High School in 1967. At Central High School, he made lifelong friends, Bill Buffo and Doug Todd.

In 1968, Mike married Linda (Warner) Minash who became his forever best friend and was always his soul mate in his heart. Mike attended Madison Area Technical College and received a master diesel mechanic degree. He held several jobs, but his most favorites were owning his own Texaco gas station and later being hired by Madison Fire Department Maintenance Department establishing lasting friendships with Larry, Chick and Randy. After retirement, Mike started his own business installing environmentally safe exhaust systems on fire trucks.

Mike had a deep love for the pets he shared with Linda. Ellie, Mike ‘s dog, along with the kitties brightened his days. He had strong connections to many people and was always willing to help with any project. Most people always thought of Mike as the “go to person.” He could fix anything. He amazed many of us with his creative and unique mind. He enjoyed meeting the lunch bunch (Annie, Nancy and Bonnie) once a month. Mike frequented Atwood area bars to visit his favorite bartender, Mesha, along with his happy hour friends, Jerry, Vickie, Kathy, Lana and too many numerous others to mention.

Mike was an avid race car fan and was a member of various crew teams. He was very proud that he served on the Dick Trickle Crew team. He often talked of his many memories of the racing days and let’s not forget all the party time he enjoyed with the racing crew and fans.

Mike was close to his nieces, Amy Minash Lodes (Randy) and Angela Aldrich; and his nephew, Eli Klein. He enjoyed helping Eli set up his new art store and helping him get ready for events.

Mike was preceded in death by his mom, Betty Minash DeNood; his dad, Jerry Minash; his grandparents, and uncle and aunts. He is survived by Linda Minash, who cared and loved him throughout his life. In the last weeks of Mike’s life, he asked Linda to marry him again to show his everlasting love for her. Additional survivors include Linda’s sister, Patty Warner (Bruce Klein) and their children, Elliot and Aaron Klein; twin brother, Keith Minash; sister, Lynn Minash Midthun; uncle, Fred (Sue) Bonacker; nieces, Amy Lodes (Randy) and Angela Aldrich; and many other nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to all the doctors and nurses that cared for Mike during these past five years. He had a special bond with Father Pat and nurses, Emily and Nicolle, who cared for him in his final days.

A celebration of life will be held at PLAYERS SPORTS BAR, 2013 Winnebago St., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Donations may be made to Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin (underdogpetrescue.org), Angel’s Wish (angelswish.org) or Dane County Humane Society (giveshelter.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Michael John Minash

December 04, 1948 - September 08, 2024

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