Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Sardina Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sardina
New Fan
Yesterday
Thank you for sharing your love story - God bless you and your family.
Nonya
February 20, 2026
Wow, Michaels artistic dream, his aspirations and the timelessness of his talent are being honored in new ways nearly 2 decades later. That is amazing! We should all be reminded how music can bridge generations.
May his legacy continue to inspire and bring comfort to all.
Claire you should be so proud of what you and Mike made together. Thank you for sharing Lightening and Thunder with all of us!
With heartfelt condolences, a new fan
Dominic Velotta
February 7, 2026
Amazing to see messages/condolences still coming in 20 yrs later! What an inspiration both of you are. The movie was amazing!!
Donna Czukla
January 25, 2026
Just saw Song Sung Blue and I´m sorry I never saw you perform. RIP Mike. Keep on singing!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Stéphanie
January 21, 2026
A life story, an exemple of resilience. Thank you for this beautiful movie. I just saw it last night. RIP Mike.
Stéphanie from France.
Barb konkol
January 20, 2026
My friend Mary Gordon got to know you both from State fair park. She always said what a great couple you were she worked at issuing you Id´s . So sorry I didn´t go with her to see you perform. Movie was incredible!!
Tony Cota
January 19, 2026
Seen mike play all over wisconsin from the beginning to the end he was a nice guy, R.I.P. Mike
debora bump
January 19, 2026
to claire, and all family members....just saw the movie tonight.came home to google your story further, and just watched the documentary done years back. wow, what an amazing story. yes, of course i bawled, beautiful and sad at the same time. weird how that works, isn't it? hoping you are doing alright. my thoughts will be with you. hang in there, lovely lady.
Juan
January 16, 2026
R.I.P.
Beba Jenkins
January 1, 2026
I am loved Mike he so much song he has such good music artist
Robyn
January 1, 2026
My bff and I loved the movie. I´m also in recovery. Loved and appreciated how they wove that into the storyline. Also the perspective on mental health.
Thanks for the message and your service!
Sheri
December 31, 2025
My husband and I loved the movie. Thanks for serving, Mike. God bless.
Mark strachota
December 30, 2025
Lightening and thunder performed at our church festival st. Alphonsus. What my children and I really remember is you performed in my backyard for my in laws 50th anniversary. We will never forget.
Nancy Scheer
December 29, 2025
What an amazing movie about you both. I am so sorry for your loss so many years ago. I hope you know what a huge fan base you have aquired with this movie. I hope you still sing.
Ninh Ninh Truong
December 28, 2025
Hi Mike, thanks for your service at first. You don´t know how I like the movie Song Sung Blue about you and Claire. You are a legend also hero of the American dream & spirit! R.I. P You were known by the crowd of world soon.
Richard Gardipee
December 28, 2025
I knew Mike from St. Charles Boys Home we were there when we were 12 years old until we were 14
Martha R. (Milwaukee)
December 27, 2025
Claire, it is a wonderful movie. The actors did an outstanding job portraying you both. What an honor it must be to share your life story. It brought back happy memories of my family, listening to your music at the WI State Fair. We loved it. It's so nice to see you so happy and full of pride. Take good care and God Bless.
Beth Graf
December 26, 2025
Sooliamon forever your story is world wide now
John Vrabec
December 26, 2025
Loved your shows at the Wisconsin State Fair, and loved the new movie. Rest in Peace, Lightning.
Melissa
December 26, 2025
Just watched Song Sung Blue with my family, and loved it. You made a huge impact. Rest In Peace Always, Melissa Brock
Daryl Brock.
December 26, 2025
Just saw your movie. What an amazing life and legacy!
Jason smith
December 15, 2025
A great movie got put out about ur ADVENTURES
William P. (Bill) Sturdevant
July 22, 2022
I know we didn't see each other much after my family moved to the West Side. Especially after high school and the Army. But for those few times, I still remember you and miss you dearly.
Brian Donahoe
August 2, 2006
Claire,
I knew Mike in high school, my band
"the Uptown Soundz" opened for you and lightning at Nick's Nickabob.
My prayers are with you,and be sure Mike is playing now, in the best house,and for the greatest
audience...play on...Lightning!
ROSE VANHEERDE
August 2, 2006
IN HEARING OF YOUR LOSS, I WANTED TO SAY THAT YOUR MUSIC TOGETHER WAS SO INSPIRING!! I LOVE NEIL DIAMOND MUSIC AND SO ENJOYED THE FIRST TIME I HEARD BOTH OF YOU SING AT STATE FAIR AND AT A "WALK FOR DIABETES FUND RAISER." MAY MIKE REST IN PEACE, AND MAY YOU FIND PEACE CLAIRE IN KNOWING THAT YOUR SPECIAL LOVE AND FRIEND WILL BE WATCHING OVER YOU FOREVER FROM HEAVEN.
ROSE VANHEERDE
mark feltes
July 31, 2006
Claire, my sincere sympathy to you and your family in your recent loss of Mike..
Denise
July 30, 2006
Dear Claire,
I was sadden to hear of Mike's sudden passing. May God guide you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Robert & Kathleen Piekarski
July 30, 2006
Dear Claire: May God be with you during this time of great sorrow. We loved you two! You were absolutely great together. Your wedding at the Fair was beautiful and inspirational. We enjoyed all of the talks we had with the two of you in the "sauna" at Vic Tanny (years back) along with all the shows that you performed at the Fair. We were also impressed at how well you pulled through the horrible accident you suffered in 1999, Claire. You will always be loved. Sincerely,
Jim "The Big Kahuna" Kaluzny
July 29, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mike-(Lightning) and his wife Claire-(Thunder). I was happy to have known them, as well as see them perform at all of the various fairs, festivals, etc.
Karen Pierce
July 29, 2006
Deepest sympathies to Claire and the rest of the family. Wisconsin won't be the same without Lightning's talents and energy. He will be greatly missed by many. Michael and Claire's love story is one that will be remembered for all time. God's peace, Claire.
Christine Lohmiller
July 28, 2006
Dear Claire:
It has been sometime since we have seen each other but please know that I will keep you and the children in my prayers. Mike has gone on to sing with the angels.
God Bless,
Chris
(Dominic Gugliatto's sister)
Bill, Spence and Al, and Cort Sturdevant
July 28, 2006
Mike, we remember you from when we were all kids. All of us are saddened by your sudden passing. We wish God's blessings upon you as you go to his side. We wish all of His blessings for your wife and family.
SandraJo Rabideaux
July 28, 2006
My deepest sympathies to you, Claire, and your family in the sudden passing of Mike. I'll always remember seeing the two of you at the hospital when I gave you the recipe for Borscht. It seems like only yesterday. May I extend these same sympathies to Mike's sisters and brothers, also.
Mike will surely be missed by so many. May God be with you all in your time of sorrow.
Love, [cousin] Sandy [Sturdevant] Rabideaux.
Angela
July 28, 2006
Deepest condolences to the family & friends of "Lightning" - State Fair will have a huge empty spot for many - myself included - without a rousing rendition of "Cracklin' Rosie" done by the person that did it as well as Mr. Diamond himself. May he rest in peace.
Rita Hahn
July 28, 2006
You will sadly be missed,You and Claire have the greatest act ever.We will have you in our prayers.Now you can entertain for the Lord!
Lynn Mallak
July 28, 2006
Mike was at the first Narcotic's Anonymouse meeting I attended in 1982. He was an inspiration to many who thought there was no life after drugs. He showed addicts that you could have fun clean & sober. He will be missed!
Bruce Cole
July 28, 2006
Mike was a good man, a fine musician and a colorful performer. He will be missed, but he will be remembered by all those he entertained and helped through the years. Our prayers go out to Claire, the children, and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Michael.
Bruce, Betsy, and Kristin Cole
Tom
July 28, 2006
I always looked forward to seeing Lightning & Thunder at The State Fair. The Fair won't be the same now. Thanks for all the great the memories.....
Fern Cupertino
July 28, 2006
My heart is heavy with the passing of your wonderful husband!
My memories of enjoying your excellent music began at the festival at Immaculate Conception church in Bayview!
Please accept my prayers for you and your family.
Brenda Magee
July 28, 2006
Dear Claire;
You have lost more than a partner, but a partner in life, and my heart goes out to you. I have admired how you both have survived some terrible set backs, but as a team you came through. No words can console you at a time such as this. Just know you both gave so much, your talents were appreciated and enjoyed, and you are in everyone's prayers. Michael has just gone on to become the newest member of that "Rock 'n Roll Band." Blessings.
Don Neitzel
July 28, 2006
It was my privilege to have known Mike Sardina for many years! As a musician, and when I was an officer with the Milwaukee Musicians' Assoc. I enjoyed very much the little visits we had!
Mike was a "Great Guy!"
Thunder and family, God bless you all!
Don Neitzel
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Sardina's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Sardina
People and places connected with Michael
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Michael's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Sardina's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
