Michael J. Reynolds, age 80, of Edgerton, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at his home with his family at his side. He was born in Edgerton on July 30, 1943, the son of Russell Kruckenberg and Elizabeth Reynolds. During his years at Edgerton High School, he was very involved with sports. He enjoyed playing football, volleyball, shooting archery and was class vice president his senior year. He went on to play city league softball for many years. Mike married Leone M. Lund on July 14, 1962, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Edgerton. He worked at the Shell Sation, General Motors, Dorsey Trailer, Dana, and also drove truck for Stoughton Trailer, Lycon, and Lear Seating. Mike loved working on cars and restoring them. After retiring from Lear, he worked at TLC Restoration in Milton for 10 years. He raced cars for over 25 years and was a founder of the Tobacco City Cruisers Car Club. He was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Edgerton for 25 years and served as Captain for much of his tenure. He received the "Wisconsin Firefighter of the Year Award" as well as the "Heroic Act Award". He was also awarded the "Hometown Hero Award" at the 2023 Tobacco Days Celebration. Mike will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all.
He is survived by his wife, Leone; 4 children: Brian Reynolds and Tim (fiance' Laura Villanueva) Reynolds both of Edgerton, Chad (Donna) Reynolds and Teresa (Keith) Valley both of Janesville; grandchildren: Kassandra (fiance' Zac Eide) Valley, Ryan (Julia Humphrey) Valley, and Abigail (Michael) Gladney; a great grandson, Bentley; 2 step grandchildren, Laura Pfeifer and Rachel Pfeifer; a step great granddaughter, Tori; and half-sister, Lillie Mae Crabtree. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Damian Reynolds; and a brother, Steven "Redman" Stiff.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Edgerton. Rev. David Nelsestuen will preside and burial will follow in Fassett Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday at the APFEL EHLERT FUNERAL HOME, 315 Lord St. (Hwy 51) Edgerton from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. For on-line condolences: www.apfelfuneral.com