Michael J. Urling

1981 - 2025

Michael J. Urling

November 23, 1981 - November 15, 2025

Michael (Mike) John Urling, age 44, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 15, 2025 at home after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer, surrounded by loved ones in the care of Regional Hospice Services.

Mike was born February 23, 1981 in Ashland, WI, the son of John and Sheila (Dale) Urling. He was a 1999 graduate of Ashland High School. He attended Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN, earning a commercial drivers license (CDL). In 2004, he enlisted in the US Army serving 18 months in South Korea.

Even before he could speak, Mike would look out the window and watch the Roffers trucks leave their yard across the street on Beaser Avenue. His love of all things truck had begun. When Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, Mike said "A nun!" A perplexed Santa looked at his mother and said "What?" Mike explained making the sound of a truck revving its engine, "NUN! Nun, nun, nun!" As an adult, his dream became a reality. He drove semis in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine, and Massachusetts. At one time, he drove to Alaska seeking employment driving semis on the ice road to Prudhoe Bay.

Mike always referred to himself as a "redneck," loved country western music, the Green Bay Packers, fishing, hunting, and camping with a special interest in cooking for friends and family. Mike loved to sit by a campfire with friends which brought him particular joy and peace. When Mike laughed, it was clear that such laughter had come from his toes.

Mike was preceded in death by all four grandparents, two uncles, two cousins, and his father, John Urling in 2019.

He is survived by his mother, Sheila, his older brother, Scott (Aria), his younger brother, David, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Ashland Presbyterian Congregational Church. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with the service to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Ashland, WI with military honors under the auspices of Chequamegon Area Veterans.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff of the Ashland Cancer Center and Regional Hospice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.