Michael Charles Devenish

Michael Charles Devenish, age 69, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 28, 2019 near Palm Springs, CA. He was born on January 4, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to Robert and Alpha (Piatt) Devenish. He married Sharon Maly on June 26, 1971 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. He is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Sharon, son Ryan (Diana) of San Francisco, a granddaughter Chloe and a grandson on the way, his sister Ann (Doug) Devenish-Cassell of Cape Cod, MA, his brother Ted (Cyndi) of DeForest, brother-in-law Vince (Betty) Maly of Sun Prairie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mike was born into an Air Force family and lived as a child in Madrid, Spain and several cities across the US before his family was stationed in Madison, and they settled in Sun Prairie. A graduate of Sun Prairie High School in 1968, Mike was a respected athlete who held a state record in track. It was at SPHS that he first met Sharon and they married his senior year in college. He graduated from Luther College, in Decorah, IA with BA degree in Art Education and certification to teach. Despite still being an undergrad, Mike was chosen to be a member of the faculty at Luther, and he taught Ceramics Art Courses. Upon graduation, he returned to SPHS as both an Art Teacher and a Coach for Cross Country and Track. He owned and operated The Good Earth Pottery in Mt. Horeb where he created beautiful ceramic pieces, and displayed and sold his work in numerous galleries, art fairs and shops throughout the upper Midwest. Over a 15 year period he mentored many interns at his studio, sharing his skills while he tutored them. Later Mike joined his wife's business, Devenish Associates, Inc. using his expertise in computer aided design and office management. Working together, the business was soon named to the Top 100 Commercial Interior Design Firms in the US. Mike was incredibly proud of their son Ryan who followed and surpassed his Dad's athletic skills. It was while Ryan was in Youth Soccer that Mike also began playing the sport and his respect for the game led him to become a USFF Certified Referee. Mike had recently joined the Coachella Valley Soccer Association and was enjoying reffing numerous games during his retirement in Palm Springs, CA. Mike was passionate about spending time with his family and friends, art, travel, soccer, and he was looking forward to sharing many new adventures in California. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 229 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie. Father Grant Thies will preside. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church on Thursday. Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400 www.newcomerfh.com