Thomas “Tom” E. Michaels

March 19, 2017 5:48 PM

Site staff,

Posted: March 19, 2017 5:48 PM

Updated: December 26, 2019 2:56 AM

by Site staff

Thomas “Tom” E. Michaels, age 69, protector and provider of his family, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters after a selfless battle with Pancreatic Cancer on Fri. Mar. 17, 2017. He was born at home in Tomah on Dec. 3, 1947 to the late Edwin and Vivian (Wildes) Michaels. Tom was a graduate of Mauston Madonna High School; being the last graduating class of 1966. He entered into the Steamfitters Apprenticeship and was drafted into the United States Army. Following Tom’s service in the United States Army he completed his Steamfitters Apprenticeship. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Linda M. Klabough on Feb. 14, 1970. Tom worked for the Steamfitters Local 394/601 working mostly in Southern Wisconsin until his retirement in 2007. He made many treasured memories traveling the United States with Linda, Alaska being one of their most memorable trips. Tom lived for his time spent outdoors hunting and fishing and traveling up north to his cabin he owned with his brothers-in-law and nephew. He always took great patience in sharing his love of fishing with the many women in his life. Tom also always enjoyed discussing current topics with friends and family, testing his trivia knowledge, crosswords puzzles and cheering on the Packers and Badgers with a well-made Manhattan. He was a past member of the Jaycees and the Sauk Prairie Community Club, member of the Kuoni-Reuter American Legion Post #167 and St. John’s Lutheran Church both of Prairie du Sac.

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; daughters, Tracy (Brad Boettcher) Michaels, Tara (Chad) Greenwood, Kathleen (Paul) Ganshert; granddaughters, Erin Greenwood, Neelah and Maddie Ganshert; Brad’s boys, Austin, Joey, and Will, siblings, Jeannie (Dick) Lemke; Dan (Mary) Michaels, and Randy (Cheryl) Michaels; brothers and sisters in-law, Jim (Pat) Klabough, Margo Klabough, Vicki (Tom) Kepler, Judy Spencer, Joan (Gene) Dallman, John (Nancy) Klabough, Dan (Viv) Klabough, Lori (John) Latham. Tom was the proud Godfather to 6 godchildren: Renee Rego, Jake Michaels, Gina Barton, Julie Klemm, Carol Hunter, and Brittany Ballweg. Tom is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his father and mother in-law, Jim and Marge Klabough, nephew, Michael Rego, and brothers-in-law, Dick Spencer and Tom Klabough.

Tom’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Agrace Hospice, especially, Deb, Kelly and Sherry and Dean Specialty Oncology Clinic, especially, Madonna, Nicole, and Megan.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thur. Mar. 23, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 100 Oak St., Prairie du Sac, WI. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wed. Mar. 22, 2017 at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City and the morning of the service one hour prior to service at the church. A luncheon and celebration of a life well lived will be held at the Dorf Haus immediately following the service.

“Earth has one gentle soul less, And Heaven one angel more.”