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Michael William Pugh

Michael William Pugh obituary, Racine, WI

Michael Pugh Obituary

RACINE - The world lost a bright light on September 12, 2016 when Michael William Pugh died unexpectedly at the age of 47. Born on January 8, 1969, Michael was the son of William Pugh and the late Judith Logsdon (Pugh). Michael spent many childhood vacations in Talala, Oklahoma on his grandparents’ ranch, and the cowboy spirit of the West never left him. He treasured his stockpile of Native American arrowheads and artifacts. A charismatic, fun-loving youth, Michael graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1987. At Beloit College, Michael followed his passions of archeology and history, while also fronting a punk band. After graduation, he spent a season in Alaska crab fishing to raise money for graduate school. He earned an MFA at Montana State University, specializing in ceramic sculpture. Michael ran the family marina as his day job, but his art was extremely important to him. He spent a year in Italy honing a style that blended popular culture with archeology and prehistory. Working from his Racine studio, Michael was a prolific creator of sculptures and paintings that were shown in Chicago galleries and prestigious art fairs. Michael married Heather Jirgensen of Racine in 2003. They enjoyed live music, traveling, and great food (Michael learned to make amazing pasta dishes while in Italy). Together they welcomed their daughter London and son Camden. Michael taught history and art at Parkside and Carthage College. He will be remembered for his quick wit, expansive world view, and his energetic and charismatic spirit. He will be greatly missed by his sister Stephanie (Stephen) Hunter, father William Pugh, stepmother Helen Pugh, children London (9) and Camden (7), and many other family members and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 11:30AM at Faithbridge (Evangelical United Methodist Church) 212 11th St, Racine, WI 53403 (262) 632-8381. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Published by Racine Journal Times on Sep. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Pugh

Not sure what to say?





Stephanie Hunter

September 20, 2022

Many thanks to all who have left such beautiful memories of my super intelligent, creatively witty brother. He is loved and missed everyday...

Eleanor Graves

September 10, 2021

This page popped into my emails today, right on time. I often think of Mike at this time of year. I recently went searching for some of his art -- the pieces I had from his college years broke during a move, to my great disappointment. If anyone wants to collaborate to put a website of his work together, just for viewing not for selling, let me know.

Daniel Soderberg

July 15, 2019

This man saved my life. I owe him everything, eternally

Chuck Leija

February 20, 2017

Sorry so late to send my prayers...
I just found this out looking him up
...
But mike was really good guy to me...
One of the first people i met when i moved to Racine.
Mike actually helped out alot when i needed it..i actually have some of his rt work he gave me put away..i really dig he was an artistic person...
I have nothing bad to say about the man...except is and always will be a wonderful man...
Godspeed and off into the sunset you go just like your western heros.....

Wendy Sorenson

October 7, 2016

Dearest Bill, Helen, Stephanie and loved ones, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I wish I had known Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Love, Wendy

Eleanor Graves

September 29, 2016

Can you see my email, Heather? I'd love for you to know you can always get in touch with me, especially if you need anything. Please let me know. Also, I am thinking a lot about Stephanie. I have been holding Mike close in my heart and have such a lump in my throat. Best wishes, Eleanor

Anna Maria Scaringella

September 24, 2016

I'm very sad to know that Michael passed away, I knew him when he was staying in Rome and appreciated very much his art.
Rest in peace

Virgilio Leggiero

September 22, 2016

I will miss you very much. Rest in peace.
Your friend Virgilio Leggiero from Rome

Martin H Stensnes

September 21, 2016

I learned today that Mike has past away. I worked with Mike at Pugh Marina; moreover Mike always took the time to listen. I will always remember him and the inviroment around him as creative and respectful of people with different background. Thank You Mike for letting me learn to know You!

Sincerely
Martin H. Stensnes
Bjerkvik
Norway

Dawn Nejedly

September 21, 2016

Peace Michael, always. I missed your service yesterday as my memory as you know is not as it once was. I pray you have finally found what you sought so desperately for here on earth but could never quite find my friend.
You are now with your mother, I take some solace with that as she meant so very much to you Hon. Peace, love and hugs my Dear Friend Michael, Peace, Forever Peace.

Eleanor Graves

September 21, 2016

Thank you for this beautiful guestbook, and for the loving obituary. Mike was a force to be reckoned with, and we are blessed with some phenomenal art by which to appreciate him. I knew him at Beloit, and marvel at how deeply he developed his vision over the years. My condolences to his family. May you be loved and blessed.

Timothy Wheary

September 20, 2016

Those we hold most dear
never truly leave us..........
THEY LIVE ON
in the kindnesses
they showed,
the comfort they shared,
and the love they
brought into our lives.

May beautiful memories
give you strength
in these difficult hours.

Matt Specht

September 20, 2016

Mike was a great human being. He had a huge impact on me and my life, as I'm sure he had a huge impact on those close to him.

Tanya Blasko

September 20, 2016

Mike and I became fast friends when our family moved to College Avenue, Racine from Pittsburgh the summer before my junior year of high school. I will always have a special place in my heart for him. My love and prayers to Heather, Stephanie, the Pugh family, and friends. Mike, may you rest in peace.

Gretchen Herrmann

September 20, 2016

Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

September 19, 2016

Our deepest sympathies go out to Mike's entire family. Mike was an excellent artist and had many talents. May he RIP
Rudy and Debbie Coca

Jacque Miller Carey

September 18, 2016

This is so sad. I knew the entire family. So sorry for you loss. Life is very short. Blessings to all of you

kathleen Hart-Braun

September 18, 2016

I'll remember Mike as a witty and artistic person. He was my brother James Hart's best friend growing up. I would hear them giggling and laughing often. Be at peace Mike. I hope his family will be able to have peace also.

Caviar with eggs on Easter with Eddie

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

A favorite restaurant in Italy

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Feeding Neutron Frosty Paws

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Dinner after a day at SOFA

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

With Jeff Kraft at SOFA

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Downtown,living by the river

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Armin, Natalie & girls

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike and Camden 2010

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Baby Camden summer 2010

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

With Aunt Pam and Uncle Louis

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Happy days

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Niece Scarlett with Mike and London

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike, London, and his sister Stephanie

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike, Brian, Ray & Matt

heather JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike with his mom. Now they are together forever.

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Aunt Pam, Mike & London on Mother's Day

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike with the rat pack

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Matt & Neuty in Mike's studio

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Florence "jewelry bridge" 2005

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

SOFA weekend

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

SOFA Chicago

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Easter 2008

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

H Jirgensen

September 17, 2016

London and Mike checking out rocks

H Jirgensen

September 17, 2016

One of Mike's sculptures in RAMs permanent collection

H JIRGENSEN

September 17, 2016

Mike with Teddy as a puppy in 2005. Teddy went over rainbow bridge in August.

H Jirgensen

September 17, 2016

Wind Hunter

September 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to the Pugh family. Mike you will be missed.

Scott Olsen

September 16, 2016

I found out Mike died today, I was sad for a few hours, I'm still sad, but it also made me remember the good times, I worked for Mike at the marina but he would introduce me as his friend, because we were friends, he had an interesting mind, with everything he encountered in life, I do too, he helped me realize that, I'll love Mike forever no matter what anyone else says, I'll see ya one day

Diane Davis

September 16, 2016

Michael was a talented student in my fourth grade class at St. Sebastian School. Even then, he had a hunger to learn more about archeology and early history. He was also drawn to all forms of art. Years later, I invited him to return as an artist-in-residence to share his love of raku pottery with our students. He was a phenomenal artist and a wonderful teacher showing all the children how to express themselves in clay.

What a sad loss to all who knew him! My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy to Michael's family.

September 16, 2016

Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Michele Randall

Dawn Nejedly

September 15, 2016

So much gone much too soon. I will miss our afternoons of wine and tapas discussing some news of the world or art world.
I will miss you indeed Michael, indeed.
Rest with the angels and finally be at peace my Dearest Friend.

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