Dr. Michael S. Garrity

Today, I just heard from a respiratory therapist who worked with Dr Garrity in the 70-80's of Dr Garrity passing on. Dr Garrity hosted me for a rural rotation at his clinic in 1976. I was a family practice resident in the University of Wisc Family Medicine residency. I as well as many other residents were mentored by Michael, who introduced us to family medicine at it's best in rural Wisconsin. To me he was a kind, warm, relaxed, modest, yet very competent Physician and Friend. Even after all these years have passed, I am still grateful for example he set for young doctors finding their way in a very complex health care system. Integrity was not a given for all physicians, but Dr Garrity was a principled guide. His memory lives on in the practice principles he instilled in so many people he mentored. Medicine is in need of his ilk. He will be greatly missed.

A great man. Always a pleasure to meet with him and Mary Ann. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.

I worked for him at the Bloomington clinic for 12 years. He always came in with a smile. Never seemed to be in a hurry yet he got the job done. He, also, delivered our 2nd child so our oldest son is one of his many babies. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched.

Sincere sympathy to Mary Ann and family on the death of a wondeful friend and cousin in law. So happy we got to know you over the years. Sending love and prayers across the ocean.

Condolences to Mary Ann and family. Mike was a gentleman and a credit to all Irish Americans. So great that we got to meet properly at our wedding. We are very sorry for your loss.

Dr. Mike was there to bring two of my four children into the world. He was there when the McGregor ambulance brought me into the ER with a radio antenna 4 1/2 inches into my head through my eye socket. When he took the foam coffee cup off the antenna, I looked at him and said, "Hi Doc!" Nurses said that is the first time they had ever seen him speechless. He covered my eye back up and said, "Take her to LaCrosse, I'm not touching that!!" He probably saved my eyesight, or even more. When they finally pulled it out in LaCrosse, it didn't even bleed, ever. I could see perfectly with the antenna in the eye socket, AND when it was removed! All the doctors there (3) said that was 'impossible' even as they watched me reading the eye charts and books before and after it was removed. I told them to knock me out, hold down my head, and pull. When they couldn't think of anything else to do, that's what they did. Thanks to Doc, and all the docs at Gunderson Hospitals, there was NO damage. This is written up in the Emergency Room handbook in Lacrosse.

Dr. Mike always greeted me by name, and asked how I was doing. He always greeted me "Walk into any antennas lately?" His missionary spirit was inspirational. I will remember him as long as I live as a servant of God, and a friend and more to me and all he met. He will be missed by me and many! Thinking of Mary Ann and family and praying for them at this difficult time.

A great, intelligent, and always enjoyable family man who always had a joke to tell and a kind thought for ya on the way out the door!

Farewell Mike, you'll always be a mentor in life. Thank you.

Doc, we have to say goodbye to you this week. Just seems absolutely unreal that I will never hear you laugh, tell a joke, or hear you talk "medical talk" with Mom when we stop with pizza and pasta (and that giant cookie) again. You are one of the best male influences in my life, and now you're with a couple others, including your brother. Seems to be quite a loss to our world, but no doubt you will continue to influence people in a positive way for as long as your memory remains. As hard as this is and is going to be for a long time, I find comfort in the words I've read about you these past several days. I feel so incredibly blessed to have known and loved you, and to have been your great niece. We will watch over MA, but please watch over all of us. Goodbye, Great Uncle. Until we meet again. Love you so much.

Mike was a mentor and a good friend who was a joy to just be around. Last Wednesday I went to the mission to visit him and drop off our donation to the St. Clare Mission, but nobody was there. It occurred to me that staff was probably coming in later. The next morning I saw the paper. I missed being able to see Mike again, yet he remains in my heart as he always has - over the years I often asked myself, "What would Mike do?". Care deeply about others, listen, laugh, love and maybe toss in a funny story - those are the kinds of things Mike did every day. Mike will always be one of my personal heroes and a beloved friend. I'm saddened that I cannot drive to PdC today because of a medical issue and the ride down just won't work. Colleen and I send our love and you all are so much in our thoughts.

I worked with Dr. Mike in PDC. He was always smiling and from the day I started he greeted me by name. He was a joy to know and work with. I am sad to hear of his passing but happy that I had the honor of knowing him.

Mike was my first mentor in medicine. He supported me in a often wild rural practice. I know he will be missed by the community and by our family. Our best to Mary Ann and the children.

Isnt it awe-inspiring to see how many lives were brightened by Doc? He brought joy to my week when my friend Kathleen and I had coffee with him on so many Friday mornings at Simply. He often followed up those conversations by emailing us journal articles that fit our discussions with him. Of course he also always asked about our families and shared stories of his. What a good listener he was! Doc will be so missed. As many have testified, his caring heart shone brightly and I have to hope that each of us can take one small part of his compassion and extend it to others. My deepest sympathy to the Garrity family. Your loss is shared by your community.

Dr. Garrity was a kind and caring man. I will always remember him taking the time to introduce himself to me when I was a new nurse. His sincere, caring manner and warm laughter will always be remembered. Sympathy and prayers to his family.

Dr. Garrity was a true gentlemen. He was so kind and supportive of everyone who worked with him, especially newer staff. He taught me so many things as a nurse, but mostly about what it meant to be a truly caring person. I will miss his laughter, hugs and memories.

Dear Mary Ann and family. I said a Mass for dear friend Dr. Mike soon after I found out about his unexpected death. I found it hard to believe and checked around until I found out that it was really true. Mike and I were almost the same age. He was Feb. to Oct. older. I said goodbye at our Sat. morning breakfast at the Hungry House just a few days before I returned to Tanzania. I didn't even think of it as possibly being the last goodbye. Tomorrow on the 28th I will again say a Mass for him and all of you. My prayers, love and sympathy. See you this summer. Fr. Paul

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Garrity. He was a true pioneer for healthcare in the PDC area. I got the privilege to work with him many years at memorial hospital. He was the most down to earth physician I have ever met. His pt's always came first, and they all loved him for that. He will be sadly missed by the whole community. RIP.

Mike was a wonderful friend since we were in grade school. Every year when we made our annual visit to PdC, Mike and Mary Ann would have dinner with us and we could listen to his great stories. This year my son was with us he was so impressed with Dr. Mike. Mary Ann, you know you had a hero all of your life.
We give you all of our condolences.

I met Dr. Garrity while I was working on switchboard, Medlink about 20 years ago,and he was very friendly,professional and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife and daughter. He always had such a friendly smile whenever we would meet. Just recently spoke with him and his wife and was Shocked to see his obituary in the paper. RIP you will be missed. My sincere sympathy to the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Do the best you can, for the most that you can, for as long as you can. is now my new message to all I know. Sure wish I had met Dr. Mike. Sincere condolences.

I had just moved here in 1995, started working at the clinic and worked with him for a few years before his retirement. I got to know him pretty well over the years at church or just his stopping in at the clinic to visit. One memory of him, that I will never forget, is when I was due to have my last baby, about 8 years ago, I remember talking to him a few days before giving birth. He said he would say a prayer that everything would go fine. The day I had the baby, I was sitting in my hospital bed holding my newborn, Dr Garrity walked right in and came right over to my hospital bed and kissed me on my forehead and then walked right back out and never said one word. I know he really did pray for us and a healthy delivery and I could just tell he was so happy for us, without saying a word, it was a huge moment that meant so much to me and I will never forget his kind heart and his faith in God!

Great man, great family, great legacy. My condolences to the entire Garrity Clan

Dr. Garrity was one of the doctors who I worked with at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. He always had a smile on his face and made you feel as though you were an important part of the team. He will be missed by all, however he will continue to live through all the memories that have been created through knowing him. My sympathy goes out to the family. May he rest in peace.

Dr. Garrity was a great Dr and always took good care of us when we were kids. Alot of respect for him. Prayers for him and the family.

I feel so sad that I will not see or talk to Mike. We have been friends for over 30 years and I will miss his wit and smile. Mike I know you are in a better place. God rest your soul and give your family peace.

I will miss his hugs and laughter! He made me a better person and nurse. RIP. He will make heaven better. Deepest sympathy to his his family.

I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Garrity's patients and just hated it when he retired. I am so shocked to hear of his passing. He was one of those people you think will always be here. He will be missed terribly. After his retirement no matter where I ran into him he always had a hug for me. I will miss that hug. God bless you Dr. Garrity. My heart goes out to all his family.

Dr. Mike was a PDC institution. Just a great man! Always listening, always caring, and always making you feel special! Sorry for this great loss.

While I never met Dr. Mike, I have heard many stories about him over the years from son, Tom, a dear friend of mine. Clearly he lived his life to serve and love others. What a beautiful testimony of a life well-lived. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to the entire Garrity Clan during this time of mourning.

I had the privilege of working with Doctor Garrity at the Bloomington clinic in the late '70's and early'80's. He was always such a kind and caring doctor with such a big heart. My sympathies to the family.

I'm so shocked and saddened to hear this. My deepest sympathies to your family. Dr. Garrity was a very friendly man, always a "hello" with a smile. PDC lost one of the best. He will be missed by so many across the world. Cherish the memories of a man who lived a great life. RIP Dr. Mike.

I have known Dr Garrity all of my life. Always felt he and his wife were special people. Reading the obit about his service only confirmed what I already believed. Military service, serving others as a Doctor both in PDC and with world services, a devoted family man. A life to be proud of. My Aunt worked with Dr Garrity most of her life and said he was a great man. Greta did not hand out praise lightly. A life we should all strive to emulate. RIP Dr Garrity and my sincere love and condolences to his family.

Dr saved my sons life. Joshua had a head on with semi about 15 years ago and Doc was pulling into the golf course and he heard the accident and ran to the scene. He ordered med flight and took care of the situation. Without him my son would of died. Will miss you.........Doc..

Uncle Mike was there for me and my family my whole life. Whether it was my own worries or worries about my children or siblings. Just had to say something and he would get his medical bag, take a look, and set your mind at ease or show up when you really needed him. He has been a part of so many lives both here and abroad because his medical expertise was something he was always willing to share; loved to share; he wanted to share. He and my dad were the typical siblings with jokes and pranks that lasted their life times and gave us such joy and entertainment. He, and my brilliant aunt Maryann, who i must say was his balance throughout the years, were a joy to be with and always so fun to be around; so gracious when we visited. I am so sad about his leaving us so unexpectedly but so happy to claim him as a part of my life. Thank you Uncle for making the world a better place but also for always being there to talk to when we needed it. How nice that we can be comforted by knowing you left this world a better place in your own way but so sad that you left us so unexpectedly. May the road rise to meet you uncle ... and thank you for all your attention over the years. Much gratitude and love.

Dr. Mike has been a friend & mentor for a long time. Remember going to visit his practice many times and always coming out with a good feeling as his calming & jovial personality work it's charms. That's how his friends became patients & his patients became friends. Learned a lot from Doc & am forever grateful for his patience while we were growing up. Like To Say, Some Of Doc Rubbed Off On All Of Us... Thanks & till we meet again, Jim (Still A Work In Progress) Joy

I am so sad to hear this. He was not only a great Doctor but so caring and compassionate. He was with my Mom when she passed away April 6th 1964. I was 3 my brother was 5. He was just a year younger than my Dad and He had to tell him that his wife was gone. My Dad always spoke so highly of Dr Garrity. I always planned on visiting him someday thinking I could talk to him about that day. My prayers and sympathy to his family.

To the best family MD that brought 3 of our children into this world our sincere sympathies to MaryAnn and children. Pat & I have fond memories of events with you. May your fond memories sustain you in this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.

As 'newbies" to PdC when Campion turned into martin Luther Prep you Dr. Garrity was our first Dr. i appreciated him and his family. Thank you, Mary Ann for sharing him with us.

What a perfect description of your dad, Annie! I remember staying at your parents house and seeing his warm personality firsthand. You have so many of his wonderful traits. Love you!

A wonderful Doctor, friend and neighbor. He will be deeply missed. My most sincere sympathy to the family.

What a special man Dr. Mike Garrity was! He was extremely devoted to his family, community, and patients. We are thankful to have had him as our doctor, friend, and neighbor. He served as Prairie du Chien High Team physician for many years which we were thankful for. He certainly left this place better than he found it. Warm regards to his family.

What a wonderful and caring man. Very sorry to hear this news. Ill miss talking to him. Truley an angel now

Doc always had a wonderful smile!! Sure going to miss seeing him at church and around town! Heaven gained a great man!!

Dear Mary Ann, Maureen, Tom, Annie and Bridget:
I can't say anything glowing or great about your husband/dad that you don't already know. I can relate one incident that might bring a smile. In 1964 during the opening Campion football game of the season, a forward pass from Bill Lochner led me into the 6x6 wooden goal-post. I don't remember much else from that day other than Dr. Garritty sitting on my chest during halftime stitching the cut on my upper lip. He did a great job since I no longer can find any evidence of the cut on my lip. My thoughts, sympathy and prayers to all of you. LG Friedrichs Jr.

We have lost a legend. Dr. Garrity was the most compassionate man I've ever known. He delivered my son on December 23rd 1972. I named him Brandon Michael because I thought so much of doctor Garrity. When I lost him to a drowning when he was 17 I got the most heartfelt letter from Doctor Garrity. He said he was devastated when he heard that Brandon had passed. Such a wonderful wonderful man.

Deepest sympathies from Michelle and Gary Collopy.
We remember Dr. Garrity and his family fondly. Peace & love to his family.

In loving memory of a wonderful person and friend to so many

I had the good fortune to come to know Mike at a Dallas meeting of family doctors in large multispecialty groups 15 years ago and see him at least every year since then. He would call me up out of the blue with a question or a nice word to say and we shared stories of growing up in Wisconsin and working with young doctors in our different ways. I interviewed him about his life in medicine and in Prairie Du Chien and have it archived in the Center for the History of Family Medicine in Kansas City where his story can be read and listened to by future family doctors who want to know what a real life of medicine in a community means. He loved his family, his patients, his coworkers and colleagues and his community and they all loved him back.

Dr. Garrity will be greatly missed. I will miss seeing him out and about, always bringing a smile to all he encountered. I will miss "racing" him into Dunkin Donuts on Sunday mornings to get to the jelly donuts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Would like to express our deepest sympathies to the entire Garrity Family. And our sorrow to be unable to attend. He was one of the finest men that ever lived. Will miss him tremendously .

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Your loss was sad day, you will be deeply missed, rest easy until we see you again.

The loss of Doc will leave a huge hole in Prairie du Chien. Always one to say hello and give a genuine smile. Salt of the Earth. We love you Mike!

He was a wonderful person and dedicated doctor. I enjoyed immensely the time I worked with him and will always remember it. He had such a wonderful heart and genuinely loved people. I know how much he will be missed. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to MaryAnn and his whole family. Dr. Mike, rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord. Sláinte mhaith

Dr. Garrity was such a special person.

Dr. Mike was one of the kindest, most thoughtful human beings I have ever known. He kept in touch with those of us far away, most recently calling me during the horrible California wildfires just to check on me. In the early days of his practice in PdC I was in high school and a Nurses'Aide at Memorial Hospital. He took the time to teach any of us who wanted to learn about medicine and what it meant to be a caring doctor. He is one of the most important people in my life and I will miss his phone calls and his quick laugh. RIP sweet man. The world is not the same without you.

Beautifully written description of the life of such a good man: Dr. Mike examplified love, dedication and care of others whose lives were made better because of him. Rest in Peace Dr. Mike, you are going to be so missed by so many.