Michael Walsh

Michael Walsh

August 20, 1987 - September 05, 2024

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Obituary

MADISON - The world lost the legendary Michael Dennis Walsh on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. He was born with a larger-than-life personality to Dennis (Wally) and Randi Walsh on Aug. 20, 1987.


Growing up on the east side of Madison, his youth was occupied with athletics, playing about every sport imaginable. Lots of memories and many lifelong friends were made while playing at Kennedy little league and for the eastside Sharks. He graduated from LaFollette High School in 2006 where he was a member of the football, rugby and wrestling team.


After high school, Mike went on to UW-Whitewater where he was a brother of Phi Chi Epsilon and graduated with a degree in occupational Safety. His love of sports continued into adulthood where he was an avid fan of everything Wisconsin. He attended several Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Bucks games. He was overjoyed to help coach youth football for the last several years and was a giant supporter of Wu-tang for the kids' movement.


In 2022 Mike met Danica DePrey and they fell in love. They were married in 2024 in Las Vegas, Nev., and Mike was delighted to become part of her family. Mike loved his family and friends above everything else. He enjoyed the outdoors and always looked forward to hunting trips with his dad, cherished spending time with his mom and was always the first to instigate a wrestling match or play a game with his nieces. He was lucky enough to have a loyal group of friends several of whom he considered brothers.


Mike was a man of many nicknames and if he was in the room, you knew it. He had the loudest laugh, was the first to give you a giant hug, and never shied away from sharing his opinion. He loved to sing and dance and was always the life of the party. His charismatic nature and genuine smile will be missed by all who knew him.


Mike is survived by his mother and father Randi and Dennis (Wally) Walsh; sister, Kelsey (Adam) Christoph; nieces, Lucy, Gabriella, Penelope and Isabelle; wife, Danica; sons, Deandre and DeMarcus; best friend, Kent Collier; Coach Bryant; and countless others Mike has made an impact on.


A private service will be held for the family. A larger celebration of life will be held at a later date.


“May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars.”


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420



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Michele Johnson
Other •
I am so sorry hearing about Mike. We meet Mike through Danica and absolutely loved him. He gave us such a huge hug right away. He had a life of party personality just like me. Barry enjoy talking with Wu Tang together and was looking forward to future trips with them. Our hearts are very sad and we will miss him. We will continue to be thinking of each of you for the days ahead. We are very sorry. Michele & Barry Johnson
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Sam Testolin
Other •
Words can't describe how much I'm going to miss Mike. A lot of memories! Great Freind. Our Seattle trip in 2021 was a blast! Love you brother! Sam Testolin
CA
Cindy Annen
Other •
The Annen family is heartbroken for your loss. If there's anything you need to talk about or just wanna cry, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am so so very sorry for your loss.
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Eric Robinson
Other •
I'm just a friend of a family member but, he always remembered me and would go out of his way to say hi when we would see each other in public.
JN
Jaime Newell
Other •
I'm thankful that Mike played rugby, so that even though I had already graduated I still got to know him well. Whether it was watching his commitment to the sport or his team his drive and loyalty were evident. But the absolute best part about him is that he never met a stranger. He happily embraced me as the resident rugby big sister, and I was lucky enough to witness his legendary antics. From Margaritaville weekend to 7s tourney, my memories with him are the best. I will miss his genuine joy anytime I ran into him. Kelsey and family, thank you for sharing a truly 1 of a kind person with the world. My deepest condolences. - Jaime (Rowe) Newell
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Sarah S
Other •
Mike had a magnetic energy. He would enter a room and the party would start. He was the biggest teddy bear with the best hugs. And it didn’t matter how much time passed where we didn’t see each other. We would pick up right where we left off the next time we ran into each other. He was an original. One of a kind. And his presence will be missed tremendously. Thank you for the memories, the belly laughs & your friendship. Save me a spot at the card table next to Moose.

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