Michael A. Malchow

Michael A. Malchow

Oshkosh - Michael A. Malchow , age 64, died peacefully on May 2, 2018, after a lengthy and chronic illness. His family was by his side. Mike was the beloved husband of Diane, to whom he had been married for more than 40 years, and the proud father of three adult children, Katie (Alex), Donyo (Tori) and Peter Greggory, whom he counted among his greatest accomplishments. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rita Malchow.

Mike lived a life of service to others, working for much of his professional life with the homeless population of Milwaukee. He wrote a book about his experiences called "Barefoot Charlie and the Book of Dreams," which recounted the struggles of the homeless in their daily lives as they seek merely to survive. He also adapted his book to a children's book about a homeless little boy Barefoot Charlie, which his son, Peter Greggory, and Peter's grade school classmates illustrated.

Until his illness made it impossible, Mike remained active in family affairs and in his community, always offering a helping hand to the "stranger" and to the dispossessed or marginalized. In that regard, he represented what is best in our world—kindness, caring and love. He will be remembered as a giver.

Mike also loved libraries and books. He purchased and then donated books to schools, to jails and to community organizations in order to promote a love of reading.

Mike will be deeply missed by his wife and children, as well as by his seven siblings, Lynn (Autumn), Liz (Gordon), Peter (Janet), Joe, Joda (Butch), Mary (Mike) and John (Mary); their families; his aunts, uncles and cousins; Diane's family members; and by friends both far and near too numerous to count.

Mike's family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff at Bella Vista Manor where Mike spent his last days, as well Aurora at Home (Hospice) who assisted in making Mike comfortable during that time.

There will be no funeral services; that was Mike's wish. There will, however, be a celebration of Mike's life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Mike's name by check to the Day by Day Warming Shelter, 449 High Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54901, or via credit card to the American Parkinson Disease Association at

www.apdaparkinson.org.

When you think of Mike, remember what little Barefoot Charlie observed: "Everybody does better when everybody does better." Thank you, Mike, for making our world a better place.