MADISON - Michael Leonard “Mike” Castle passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was born to Leonard and Josepha (Patterson) Castle on August 16, 1942, in Madison, Wis. Mike attended St. James Catholic School and Madison Central High School, graduating in 1961. In 1962, he joined the U.S. Army, training at Fort Knox and Fort Dix. He was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1965. He then returned to Madison, Wis.

Mike worked as a nursing assistant at UW Hospital from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. He worked security from 1999 until 2001. In 2001, he became a school bus driver for special needs children which he did for 20 years. Mike was an artist. He enjoyed making plaques and figurines using rocks, making many with a holiday theme, often gifting them to friends and relatives. Mike was an avid reader. He enjoyed line dancing and roller skating. He was a big fan of country music, making trips to Nashville, Tenn., and Branson, Mo. He enjoyed watching football and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. One of his favorite memories was the trip with the Badger Honor Flight with escort Matt LePay. Mike cared a great deal about family regularly checking on them. He was known for his great empathy for others. He was the best of us.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Mary Anne Sobek and Sally Lee; nephews, Steve (Carol) Sobek and Jeff Sobek; nieces, Nadia Lee (Sean Mallary), Anna (Tim) DiMenna, Erin Sobek, Diane Sobek, Sandy Sobek-Leslie (Joe); many great-nieces and nephews; and his flat mate and good friend, Bill Koberstein. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leo and Pat; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Sobek and Glen Lee.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, followed by military honors at 12 noon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Badger Honor Flight or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

A caring life is a life well lived.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Michael L Castle

August 16, 1942 - September 11, 2026

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