Michael "Mick" Denk

Michael "Mick" Denk of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75. Mick was a devoted husband to his late wife Cynthia "Cindy" Denk (née Jeske) with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Together, Mick and Cindy raised two sons, Richie and Alex.

Born on February 9, 1950 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to parents Abdon "Don" and Margaret "Peggy" Denk, Mick was the second oldest of nine children. Raised in Butler, Wisconsin, Mick attended Marquette University High School and met his match in Cindy during his teenage years. In 1973, Mick and Cindy married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin surrounded by family and friends.

Mick attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he studied psychology and music, earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, and earned a Master's degree. Mick spent almost 30 years as a choir teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools. In 2007, Mick retired from teaching at Fritsche Middle School and received a Civic Music Award for Excellence in Choral Instruction.

After retirement, Mick continued to play and write music regularly, and found a passion for acting and composing movie scores. Mick appeared in and wrote music for various short films; won Best Actor at the 15th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival; and even appeared as an extra in Public Enemy (2009).

A loving father, Mick spent his summers off from teaching with sons Richie and Alex, rescuing and raising animals of all kinds: dogs, birds, fish, even a chinchilla. He adored his granddaughters, Jordyn and Jada, frequently caring for them after school. Mick was an avid gardener, skilled music composer, admirer of the arts, a wonderful baker, and cherished his family's annual summer vacation up north.

Mick was a true servant-honored to care for his wife, Cindy, during her final years, and proud to lend a hand to family and friends. Mick will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mick is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cindy Denk; parents Don and Peggy Denk; and sister Brenda Denk.

Mick is survived by sons Richie (Nicole) and Alex (Katie); and siblings Randy Denk, Thomas Denk, Pamela Crum, Donna Born, Maria Rollinson, Gary Denk, and James Denk. He is also survived by two beloved granddaughters Jordyn and Jada, and dog Bucky.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission or United Performing Arts Fund.

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