Michael G. Maren

Michael G. Maren

West Allis - Our "Gentle Giant" Passed to Eternal Life Tuesday, August 11, 2020. After a courageous 10-day battle with COVID-19. Age 75 years. Beloved husband of Karen (nee Back). Loving father of Scott (Susan) Matsen, Vickie (Mark) Hoffman, Kristine (Brian) Kieliszewski, Julie (Gregory) Werner and Michael Maren. Cherished grandfather of Jason Wenzel, Aaron (Tate Schultz) Heiliger, Coley (fiancé Travis Ellis) Heiliger, Tim (Mandy) Hoffman, Ben (Michelle Holm) Hoffman, Laura (Rob) Hesslink, Kyle (fiancé Bailey Pierce) Matsen, Kory (Emily Medema) Matsen, and Emily and Evan Werner. Great-Grandfather of Austin and Allyson Wenzel and Braxton Hoffman. Dear brother of Ken (Rose) Maren, Keith (Sandy) Maren, Karen Maren and the late Mitzi (the late Tony) Ladogiannis. Dear brother-in-law of Thomas (Zayda) Back, Judith (Lowell) Tietyen, Richard (Lonnie) Back and the late David (Paula) Back. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He will be sorely missed by his canine buddy Duffy. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Hank and Jennie Maren and mother and father in-law Clyde and Ruth Back. Mike was a very proud Slovenian who grew up in West Milwaukee and raised his children in Wauwatosa. He attended and played Basketball at UWM and was a graduate of UW Whitewater. He was a proud US Army Veteran and retired New Berlin School District Teacher. He bartended many years for several establishments including Jimmy B's and The Hickory House. He was a longtime member of the Slovenian USPEH Chorus and sang with St. John's Choir and the Suburban Singers. Mike was also a member of the Fun-o-leer Club, West Milwaukee Lions Club, SNPJ Badger Lodge #584, West Allis Balina Club, and AMVETS Post #37. He was also a longtime volunteer for Vision Forward and the VA Hospital in which he donated an infinite amount of time fundraising, organizing events and outings, hosting weekly bingo or just lending an ear. Mike loved spending time with his family and friends, camping at Lake Tomahawk, playing Balina, singing in the choir and cheering on his family at their sporting events. He loved to travel, especially his trips to Slovenia and to visit family in Mt. Olive, IL. He was a fan of all WI sports but mostly enjoyed going to Badger, Brewers, Bucks, and Packer games. His favorite pastime was listening to Polkas, Slovenian music, and Brewers games on the radio. He was a kind, selfless, patient, funny and caring man who would help anyone in need. A quote from his H.S. senior class yearbook "He is simply the rarest in the world." They knew then what we know now. His legacy will continue as he was loved by many and will truly be missed! We would like to thank Dr. Shah, Dr. Elliot, Shaun, Mary, Katie and the many doctors, nurses and staff of Aurora West Allis Medical Center for their professionalism, compassion and good care of our loved one! There will be a public visitation at Bevsek-Verbick Funeral Home - West Allis. 2-6PM on Friday, August 21, 2020. Due to COVID-19, only a limited number of people allowed in at a time per family request. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Private burial at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery. The Family will also host a "Celebration of life" at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The American Heart Association, the UWM Slovenian Arts Program Foundation, or the Mitzi MEL Scholarship Fund appreciated.