Michael Crowley

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we grieve the passing of Michael P. Crowley, of (Boulder Junction, Wisconsin) on March 9, at the age of 76 years, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Mike was born and raised in Boscobel, Wisconsin, left the state for over 30 years for his job at Caterpillar, in Aurora, Illinois, where he married his wife Marshia in 1967, but always knew in his heart he would be back to Wisconsin. After many years of vacationing in northern Wisconsin, he was able to retire in 1998 and they moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, to the area that they had grown to know and love. Mike always had a passion for capturing nature and wildlife photos and after retiring he had the joy of always being in the moment and capturing the beauty of the area that surrounded him. He felt truly blessed and was so happy to have many of his photos published in magazines and calendars, and loved sharing photos on Facebook of the beauty of the Northwoods for his many followers. He was so inspired and touched by the many wonderful comments that so many made on his photos.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Marshia (Steinke); beloved children and grandchildren: Nick (Leanne) Crowley, Melissa (Trig Holtan) Crowley and Matthew (Sara) Crowley, Kyle Crowley and Mackenzie Crowley; sister, Lois (Terry) Hanson; sister-in-law, Rita Crowley, brother-in-law, Mark (Deanna) Steinke; as well as other relatives and friends.

He will also be dearly missed by his followers of Life in the Northwoods on Facebook, for whom he was so grateful.

He was predeceased by his parents, John J. (Lois Rice) Crowley, his sister Clare Kerwin and brother John B. Crowley.

There will be a private family gathering for a celebration of life.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. This organization was so very helpful in dealing with this cruel disease. It probably saved my life and helped me to care for Mike much longer than I would otherwise have been able to. For anyone dealing with this disease, or if you know someone dealing with it, I would urge you to join their support group for the understanding, excellent advice and tips, and if nothing else, moral support in knowing that you are not alone. You don't even have to participate if you are not inclined, just reading what other people have shared of their experiences and emotions is such a help and comfort. If you are a spouse or partner caring for your loved one 24/7, only someone else in the same situation has any real idea of what you are going through. The support forum of Alzheimer's Association is also an excellent support resource for those dealing with any type of dementia.

There really needs to be more awareness and recognition of what dementia is doing to the people who are suffering from it, and what it is doing to the families who are dealing with it.

Alternatively donations could be made in Mike's name to the Boulder Junction Public Library, PO Box 9, Boulder Junction, WI 54512. The director of the library was instrumental in making a connection for Mike to a magazine, Our Wisconsin, that has used many of his photos, and this led to other publishing opportunities. The library also used many of Mike's images in decorating when they moved to a new building.

www.bolgerfuneral.com