Michael Thomas McCarthy

Michael T. McCarthy, 69, passed peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Eight witnesses stood present at his bedside to verify this was not his final prank.

Born on July 17, 1956, Dad arrived prematurely and small, but soon became larger than life. He was funny, frustrating, creative, protective, unforgettable, and we will spend the rest of our lives being grateful to be his children.

Dad loved nothing more than scaring people. If you turned a corner and saw a Halloween mask where it shouldn’t be, that was Dad. We assure you he was absolutely delighted with himself. In Wausau, he was a legend for it. We still can’t go anywhere without someone asking, “Are you related to Mike McCarthy?” And every time, we are proud to say yes and are eager to hear whatever funny story was coming next.

His favorite place in the world was the cabin in Hayward. That’s where “The Second Week of Deer Camp” met “Da Turdy Point Buck,” and every story that came back was an elaborate piece of fictionalized non-fiction, but always told with absolute conviction, of course. He also spent much time in Sayner, Wisconsin, happiest around a campfire or out on the water with his family and friends.

Dad was stubborn to a fault. He was the dig-your-heels-in, arms-crossed, absolutely-not-changing-his-mind kind of stubborn. But that stubbornness lived right alongside a fierce protectiveness for the people he loved. If you were his, he’d go to the ends of the earth for you.

And Christmas? He loved every ridiculous, wonderful thing about it. He could go from belly laughing at “Bad Santa” to showing his sentimental side listening to his favorite Christmas song, “It Wasn’t His Child.” Dad adored his quirky ornaments, the twinkly lights, and the giant inflatables scattered across the yard. If it felt like Christmas, Dad was all in. He made the holiday feel like a season-long event, fueled by equal parts cheer and mischief.

Dad is survived by all who loved him, but the love of his life, Roxanne, was his strong and steady companion from the moment they met. Together, they spent his final years fishing, camping, and simply enjoying each other’s company. They worked for Hansen Auction Group and treasured the connections they made there. Dad was also a regular at The Huddle, which became a second home for him and Roxanne. He was such a fixture there that it could have easily been listed as his second address.

Dad will be deeply missed by his children, Cory (Amanda) Sullivan, Shannon (Mark) Mudler, Melissa “Kiki” McCarthy, Colleen (Zach) Richter, and Erin McCarthy; his grandchildren Dan’l, Nolan, Kian, Madeline, Gunner, Daegon, and Eva; and his siblings Mary McCarthy, Patty (Frank) Rich, Tom (Rochelle) McCarthy, and Katie (Mike) Drake. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family and friends.

Dad was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Thomas and Judy, his brother Tim, nephews Elliot, Easton, Max, and Alex, and many other loved ones who passed before. Also awaiting his arrival were Sandy, Phoebe, Helen, Gordy, and Rosie. Dad is likely re-hunting the many deer he shot and hopefully has an endless supply of ammo. Lord knows he’ll need it.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee for their excellence and compassionate care in Dad’s final days. However, we assure you Dad is still livid about the helicopter ride that brought him to you. Sorry, Dad.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The United Special Sportsman Alliance, Inc. (childswish.org), an organization that provides critically ill children and disabled veterans with outdoor adventures.

And if you’d like to keep Dad’s spirit alive this holiday season, feel free to honor him in the way he would have loved most: by carefully selecting your white elephant gifts, pranking your friends and family, or finding the most off-color ornament or sweater you can possibly get your hands on.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Weston, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All are encouraged to wear festive holiday attire, blaze orange, or camouflage.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting Mike's family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.