Dean H. Michelsen

Dean "Deano" H. Michelsen, age 62, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at his residence.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be held from 9:30am until the time of service.
Dean was born on May 7, 1962, in Wisconsin Rapids to David Perry and Gloria Woodard.
He graduated from Lincoln High school in 1980. Shortly after high school, he received his associate's degree from Midstate Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids.
In 1982, he enlisted in the Marines alongside his best friend, David Steinke, and proudly served for four years. He travelled all over the world while serving and had countless stories about those travels.
Dean worked as an iron worker for almost 30 years out of Local 383. He traveled all over the United States doing all different types of jobs. He loved what he did for work and was proud of his craft. One job in particular Dean was proud of, was the remodel of Lambeau Field in December of 2003.
Dean's first love was his motorcycle. He loved to ride his Harley and was big into everything motorcycles. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, even in his earlier years. Growing up, he lived on an air strip and learned to fly an airplane solo at the age of 15.
Dean is survived by his children, Dalton (Jenna) Michelsen, Cheyenne Michelsen, and Jeremiah Michelsen; grandchild, Kaelynn Michelsen; mother, Gloria Michelsen; sisters, Lori DeBoer, and Michelle (John) Formella; stepsiblings, Melissa Moore and Michael Michelsen; Uncle, Randy Woodard and his three children; niece, Anna Beth Formella; and nephews, Jack Formella, Stephen DeBoer, and Joe DeBoer. He is further survived by his best friends, Tammy Krzykowski and David Steinke.
He is preceded in death by father, David Perry; stepfather, Mike Michelsen; and grandparents, Herbert and Dorothy Woodard.
Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.