Michael Alfred DeWald

 

Michael Alfred DeWald, age 74, of Minocqua and New Berlin, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on February 16, 1949 to the late Alfred and Hazel DeWald of Round Lake, Illinois. In 1967, it was love at first sight when Mike met Charlene Mussa, whom he married on August 21, 1971. The couple remained deeply in love for the entirety of the 51 year marriage and set an example of true love for all those who knew them. Mike and Charlene welcomed their beloved son, Ryan Michael in 1975.  Mike was a proud father, supporting his son through his many interests. He openly welcomed Marjorie, Ryan’s wife, into the family in 2005 and was a loving Papa to Ryan and Marjorie’s two children, Fiona and Ezra. Mike was also a devoted son-in-law to the late Richard and Ida Mussa, whom Mike loved as his own.

Mike had various jobs early in his career, including recreation director at the Lighthouse Resort and a meat cutter, before becoming a sales rep for Clarkson Company. Mike worked for Clarkson for nearly 25 years, a successful career full of developing many, many relationships that turned into friendships.

As a boy, Mike played baseball, primarily shortstop, and cultivated a love for sports that he would have for his entire life. As an avid Packer, Badger, and Brewer fan, Mike would often gather with friends with games on, including many Monday night football games with his neighborhood friends in New Berlin. Mike loved to travel to warm destinations (Arizona, Florida, and California) where he would often be found on a golf course with his many golf buddies. Mike’s favorite place, however, was their summer home on Fence Lake, which became their primary residence when Mike retired in 2014. Mike and Charlene were the ultimate hosts and welcomed friends and strangers alike into their home – although those who entered their home as strangers always left as friends. Thanks to his early days as a meat cutter, Mike was an excellent cook and grill-master, making lemon chicken and barbeque ribs that his guests would often request. Most of the time you could find him behind his bar, mixing everyone’s favorite drinks, which he always had stocked and committed to memory. Mike loved being out on the water, either captaining a boat or sitting at the end of his pier, always surrounded by many friends. Mike believed “he who laughs the most, wins” and thanks to Mike’s sharp wit and sense of humor, those around him were always winners. He was a lighthouse, always drawing people in with his constant, unwavering light. A true friend, once you were Mike’s friend, you were his friend for life.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Sherry (Bill) Stagg, and Judy (John) Gushwa and brother Tim (Rita) DeWald, numerous cousins, a niece, Natalie and nephews Ron and Jared, who fondly remember their loving and generous Uncle Mike. He has left an indescribable hole in the lives of his beloved wife and soulmate Charlene, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Marjorie, and grandchildren Fiona and Ezra. His many lifelong friends mourn the loss of this one-of-a-kind man who truly loved life and all those around him. He has left a legacy too great for words, and those who knew him best are comforted by the many years of laughter and love that he gave us.

Mike’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the loving staff of Aspirus Seasons of Life, for their compassionate care provided to Mike.

A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Norwood Pines Supper Club, Minocqua WI, Saturday, June 10th from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to Aspirus Seasons of Life, 8951 Woodruff Rd, Woodruff, WI 54568