Michael "Mike" Owens

Michael "Mike" Owens

August 26, 1949 - March 21, 2026

Obituary

FITCHBURG - Michael “Mike” Owens, age 76, of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, passed away on March 21, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg after a diagnosis of brain cancer. Mike was born on August 26, 1949, at Fort Lee, Virginia, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Army. He was the eldest child of Glenn and Eileen (Foelske) Owens, followed later by sisters, Pat and Linda, and brother, Neil.


Mike attended Union Grove High School where he participated in football and track and field. He went on to study at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and received his accounting degree in 1971. While at UW-Whitewater, Mike met his future wife, Cynthia Kuiper, another accounting major. They continued their relationship when both got jobs in Madison, Wisconsin. They were married on February 14, 1976, and celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. They went on to have two wonderful sons, Jason and Kevin.


Mike dedicated 36 years of his career to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, retiring in 2012.  Besides his job, he spent many years volunteering at Crossroads Church as the Treasurer/Bookkeeper, an elder on the Church Council, Bible study leader, and did grounds maintenance. He enjoyed giving back to his church and its members. Mike enjoyed road bicycling, golf, and skiing in his spare time.  He was a member of the Devil’s Head Ski Patrol for 30 years, earning a lifetime ski pass. Mike, Jason and Kevin did many ski trips out west.


Mike is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Kuiper) Owens; son, Jason Owens; son, Kevin Owens and fiancée, Jessica Piencikowski; sisters, Patricia Carpenter and Linda (Mike) Burke; brother, Neil Owens; and in-laws, Marcia and Ken Brondyke and Dennis Kuiper. He was preceded in death by parents, Glenn and Eileen (Foelske) Owens; and in-laws, Richard and Ruth (Osinga) Kuiper.


The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the Agrace HospiceCare team for their compassionate care and support over the past month. Their kindness and dedication provided comfort to our family during this difficult time and we are deeply appreciative.


A funeral service will be held at CROSSROADS CHURCH, 3815 S. Dutch Mill Road, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Burial will be held at Oak Hall Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads Church, 3815 S. Dutch Mill Road, Madison WI 53718 or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI  53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


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

Events

27
Visitation
Fri Mar 27, 2026 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
28
Visitation
Sat Mar 28, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Crossroads Church • 3815 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53718
28
Funeral Service
Sat Mar 28, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Crossroads Church • 3815 Dutch Mill Rd, Madison, WI 53718
AO
A Memorial Tree was planted for Michael "Mike" Owens
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg
JH
Jeff Hanson
Other •
I am so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was a great guy! He was always there to offer a helping hand, whether it was a complicated tax matter at work or getting through a difficult bike ride - he was there!! My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family and friends!
JS
Jerry Smith
Other •
I started in WisDOR Central Audit with Mike in 1971. We were both married in 1976. Our paths crossed many times during our careers and I found Mike to be a gentle, caring person and friend to many. He will be missed. We are at that stage of our lives where mortality finds us. It is natural, but unbearably painful. My deepest condolences to Mike's loved ones.
DA
Donna Armbrust
Other •
I worked with Mike at DOR. He was a straight shooter and pleasure to work with. He said things we were all thinking but he had the gumption to actually say it. Sorry to hear about his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family.
DM
Daniel F. I. Kurtycz, MD
Other •
I had the privilege of serving alongside Mike for many years on the ski patrol. His commitment, camaraderie, and service left an impact on all of us. I offer my sympathy.
BG
Bonnie Gruber
Other •
Mike was a longtime member of the Devil’s Head Ski Patrol. He served on the busy Saturday day crew, providing rescue and first aid for many skiers and snowboarders.

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