Michael E. Riesch

Michael E. Riesch left this life peacefully at home on Wednesday, 10/22/2025. Mike was born on August 30, 1946, to Virginia and Van Riesch of Slinger, Wisconsin. He spent his childhood and the last 40+ years of his life in rural Wisconsin, which he loved. In between he lived, studied and worked in Milwaukee, WI; Washington, D.C.; and Pueblo, CO. In 1997, wanting to share his passion for geology and love of hands-on field experience, Mike officially opened Earthaven Museum, an earth science museum in Gillett, WI, which provided earth science education and programs to schools, homeschool groups, Scouts, 4-H participants, libraries, gem and mineral clubs and community organizations. Family, individual, group and class tours of Earthaven Museum offered a chance to see, learn about and touch rocks, minerals, fossils and gems. Mike participated in the Society of Mineral Museum Professionals, meeting with other members at the annual Tucson International Gem and Mineral Show, attending seminars and extending his own mineralogical knowledge. He also led collecting trips for groups and individuals.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ruth, his son, Sean, his sisters, Sue Peplinski, Mary and Teresa Riesch, Kathy (Bob) Racine, his brother, Dave Riesch, his niece, Michelle Peplinski, his nephew, Jim Racine and his sisters-in-law, Mary and Teresa Dominiak.

Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com. Mike's family would like to thank Bellin/Emplify Home Health and Unity Hospice personnel (especially the two Ashleys) for providing home health support, and friends and neighbors for their time, assistance and friendship. They made Mike's desire for home care at the end of his life possible.