Michael Wallace Sisco-Beschta

Sisco-Beschta, Michael Wallace MADISON - Our precious and amazing Michael died on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, after enduring a four-year assault of a rare cancer. Though Michael was diagnosed with the incurable synovial sarcoma when he was 20 years old, he lived each day fully with determination and purpose. Michaels ordeal was difficult, punctuated with multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and ongoing pain. He handled all of this with strength, acceptance and never a word of complaint. He continued to work at his craft throughout his treatments and surgeries and was happiest creating beautiful, detailed work. He was born on April 29, 1983, in Rice Lake. Michael is survived by his mother, Colette Sisco of Madison; his father, Thomas (Barb) Beschta of Mercer; his girlfriend, Linda Selner of Madison; his brother, Matthew (Angela) Beschta of Seattle, Wash.; his niece, Emma Beschta of Seattle; his grandparents, Cecelia Sisco, Robert and Edith Sisco of Eau Claire and Myrtle Beschta of Rice Lake; aunts and uncles, Jan (Donn) Moe, Bob (Teresa) Sisco, Michael (Karen) Sisco, Sharon (Jim) Shipman and Lynn (Dale) Buckmaster and cousins, Nathaniel (Amanda) Moe, Natalie (Mark) Weatherman, Nicole Moe, Heather (Mike) Cruz, Emily, Tony, Angi and Erica Sisco and Mike and Tom Shipman. Mike was preceded in death by his dear brother, Ben Beschta, June 12, 2006 and his grandfather and fishing buddy, Francis Beschta. Michael was multiply gifted and pushed himself to perform with craftsmanship in many areas, including comedy, glass art, finish carpentry and cabinetmaking, car restoration and friendship. He was as careful and exact with kindness as he was with a coping saw. His recent passion was Volkswagens and he spent much of his spare time restoring VWs. He held inauthenticity in disdain. Mike was unusually loyal, maintaining many friendships since grade school, many of whom were among the 30 family and friends present with him at his death. Mike had the kind of personality that drew folks from all ages to him and he will be missed by his age mates as well as his dear friends and mentors, Tim Lehman of Madison and Gordon Giles of San Francisco. He was the favorite of his niece, Emma with whom he spent many laughter-filled hours. Mike shared with his father, many strong characteristics: his sophisticated talent for mechanics and carpentry as well as his uncomplaining and fiercely private nature. Mike was blessed with deep and lasting friendships and loving, loyal family who never shied away from his cancer. The family wants to thank each of you who cared for Mike, who helped in countless ways over the last four years; your love kept his hope alive. Michael was an independent spirit with unique ideas about how he wanted us to celebrate his life and death. Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. A funeral and celebration of Michaels life will be held Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007, at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion in Hoyt Park, 3902 Regent St., Madison. Burial will take place at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, at St. Josephs Cemetery, Rice Lake. Memorials can be sent to the Michael Beschta Memorial Fund at Madison Area Technical College Credit Union, 3550 Anderson St., Madison, WI 54704.