MICHAEL GENE CROUCH

Michael "Mike" Crouch, age 79, peacefully entered into eternal rest with family by his side, on August 21, 2025. Mike was born to the late Beatrice (Sather) and Hobert Crouch on January 27, 1946, in Antigo, WI. He went on to join the Army, where he became a Military Police Officer. After coming home from the Army, Mike became a Police Officer, proudly serving on the Neenah Police Department for 23 years. Mike met the love of his life, Kathy (Raasch) Crouch, and the two got married at St. Matthew's Church in White Lake, WI, on November 16, 1968, the first snowstorm of the year. That was likely one of the few times Mike wore a suit, as he was only seen in a suit at weddings. They had two children, Kelley (Vernon) Lee and Bryan Crouch.

In his youth, Mike loved the outdoors and spent a lot of time hunting and fishing on Sawyer Lake. He was also strong willed and adventurous; as a child, he "ran" away from home on his tricycle and made it halfway around White Lake before turning back.

Sports played a big role in his life. In high school, Mike played on the White Lake basketball team. He loved softball, playing for the Firelite team being city champions for over 10 years. The team would lose if he wasn't the pitcher. He loved the Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Badgers, and went to many games, although never a Badgers game.

Mike and Kathy enjoyed going down south during the winter to visit friends and casinos. They also loved snowmobiling and fishing as a family. Mike was an avid Corvette fan, owning 4 Corvette's in his lifetime. The first Corvette was a 1968, and the last being a blue 2007. Needless to say, he was proud of his cars and drove everywhere. He drove 1000 miles down to Mississippi and visited casinos there. Mike and Kathy had many wonderful years of adventure prior to Mike's Parkinson's diagnosis.

Mike was a kind and devoted man whose life was filled with family, friendship, and countless stories. He cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, Especially his grandson Ben, who called him his 'Best Friend Grandpa'.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Kathy; children: Kelley (Vernon) Lee, Bryan Crouch; grandchildren Benjamin and Marissa Lee; sister: Cynthia Repenn; sister in law: Susan (Joe) McVey; many nieces and nephews; special friends Alice and Leon Douglas in Mississippi; special neighbors on Wild Rose Ln.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother: Lee Crouch; niece: Diane Spoo

A memorial service for Mike is being held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Rd, Neenah, WI 54956, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00am, with visitation at 10:00am until the time of service, with military and police honors, and lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Neenah School Special Olympics.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to nurse Amy Kufahl for her skill, kindness, compassion, and friendship during the last 4 years of this adventure. She always brought sunshine into our home. Mike's family would also like to thank the St. Croix Hospice team for caring for Mike in his final days.

Mike's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.