Michael Cahoon

With deep sadness and cherished memories, we come together to honor and celebrate the life of Michael "Mike" James Cahoon, who passed away on July 29, 2025, at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mike was born in Watertown, Wisconsin to James and Sandra Cahoon and then lived in Ripon, Wisconsin until 1965 when his father's job brought them to West Bend. As a sophomore in high school, Mike met Debra Vass, and they became high school sweethearts and married in 1985. Mike graduated from West Bend West High School in 1981 and attended Moraine Park Technical College before pursuing a career in Tool and Die. Mike and Deb built their home in West Bend and welcomed two children Michelle in 1990 and Anthony in 1993.
Mike was a "Bender" through and through, often joking he did not like to travel south of Hwy 60. He can be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, and one-liners. Mike was an avid outdoorsman, sportsman, hunter, and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time outdoors feeding the birds, going on walks with his hunting dogs, and checking his trail cameras looking for the next big buck. Mike participated in softball leagues throughout the years and trap shooting leagues at the Campbellsport Sportsman Club. Each fall he most looked forward to traveling to North Dakota for his annual duck hunting trip with family and friends. In more recent years, he also enjoyed pheasant hunting with his daughter and son-in-law, fishing with his grandchildren, and hiking in Colorado with his son and his son's partner.
Mike is survived by the love of his life, Deb, his children Michelle (Nick) Hockers and Anthony Cahoon (partner Morgan Lindskog), and his two grandchildren Madeline Hockers and Hunter Hockers. He is also survived by his parents James and Sandra Cahoon, siblings, Amy (Randy) Stark, Steven (Tisha) Cahoon, and Brian (Cathy) Cahoon, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved black Labrador retriever, Elsa. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and maternal aunt, Barbara.
Mike will be missed beyond measure, but his spirit will forever be hunting the fields of North Dakota and the woods behind his house as well as fishing alongside his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and appreciation for nature that will live on through his family, his friends, and everyone lucky enough to know him.
A Catholic memorial service will be held on August 7, 2025, at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish in Barton, Wisconsin including a visitation from 10:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. with service at 1:00p.m. Christian burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place at The Highlands Sportsmen's Club in Cascade, Wisconsin from 3:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Memorial donations in Mike's honor may be made to some of the causes he cared about most. His favorite charity Ducks Unlimited, the V Foundation towards cancer research, St. Frances Cabrini School where his grandchildren attend, or to Kathy Hospice to help enhance their outdoor environment.
The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Messages for the family may be left in an online guestbook at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.