Michael James Fay

1941 - 2024

Michael "Mike/Bubba" James Fay

April 24, 1941 - November 25, 2024

I was born in Racine, WI on April 24, 1941, to James A. and Lillian B. (nee Statz) Fay. I am survived by my wife of 60 years, Rosemary "Rosy" (nee Andersen); my sister Lila; my brothers James Jr. and Raymond (Marian); and two sisters in law, Roxanne and Sandy. We have two devoted sons: Michael John and David Scott. I was preceded in death by both parents; a sister Kathy; and brothers Tom, Bob and Joseph.

We have been blessed with seven grandchildren: Crystal (Tim), Christen (Cory), Kevin, Ryan (Erin), Joseph (Amber), Keegan (Kenzi) and Charleigh (Brian); and eight great grandchildren: Kayleigh, Kashton, Kason, Tanner, Bentley, Chesney, Paisley, and Callan. In addition to that, I was fortunate enough to have many other nieces, nephews and close relatives and friends.

I was a God loving, faithful Catholic my entire life, belonging to Holy Name Parish. I went to Holy Name grade School and St. Catherine's High School and graduated in 1960.

I began working as a paper boy, and worked at Berres Market where I delivered groceries, stocked shelves and learned the art of cutting meat. I worked for the Dept. of Public Works and had a part-time job at a gas station and auto repair shop. I also owned D.J. 's Drive In with my brother Ray. In 1963 I joined the United States Coast Guard.

I started a third shift job as a forklift driver at S.C. Johnson and Son, then later transferred to Waxdale where I became a product maker. I eventually retired as the third shift chief of the Johnson Wax Fire Department. It was truly a great company to work for.

After retirement I got involved in Volunteer Services, driving cancer patients to and from their appointments. I was a regular blood doner for over 20 years but was forced to stop donating when I was diagnosed with Leukemia around 2011. Those were some of the worst years of my life, but with the support of my excellent doctors, loving family, and close friends, we continued to fight the hard battles, and defeated cancer. I always loved working out at the gym, and despite the health problems I continued to go at least five days a week. Later my medical condition prevented me from being able to drive so I want to especially thank Lisa Molenda, Erin Fay and my good friend Roger DeRose for transporting me to all my many doctor appointments.

I was the on-call taxi service for my grandkids so that they could get back and forth to work and school. I helped my wife manage her businesses, Racine Screen and later The Doll Shop. I also spent my days doing what a good (retired) husband should - I helped around the house where I oversaw KP duty among several other domestic chores.

When my domestic chores didn't take up all my time, I got together with my friends for a weekly golf game, and I went out to lunch regularly with them. I enjoyed a record of 48 years in a row going to the Kentucky Derby and several years going to the Breeders Cup Races in Santa Anita, CA. I also enjoyed many years attending the Indianapolis 500 races and was a member of the Road America Racetrack Safety Crew in Elkhart Lake, WI for ten years. My favorite vacations were going to Ireland with my brother Tom, Hawaii and St. Martin in the West Indies with Rosy.

I have lived a full and richly rewarding life, but most important to me is the love of my life, Rosy, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is for them that I lived.

A celebration of my life will be held at First Baptist Church, 3117 Lathrop Avenue, Racine, WI 53405, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, with visitation beginning at 9: a.m. until the ceremony at 11 a.m. followed by full military honors at the church. I will be laid to rest privately which will be determined at a later date. Please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com to share online memories of me and condolences to my family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, I would appreciate memorial donations to be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

I am grateful for the love of my family and friends. My life was filled with purpose and joy, and I find peace knowing we will meet again.

WILSON FUNERAL HOME

1212 LATHROP AVENUE

RACINE, WI 53405

262-634-3361