Dennis R. Michael

Dennis R. Michael, 85, of Burnett, went peacefully to his heavenly home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, surrounded by family. 

Dennis was born October 23, 1938 in Waupun, the son of Fred and Clara Schaumburg Michael. Dennis graduated from Mayville High School in 1956. He joined the Waupun National Guard 127 Division on April 1, 1958, where he shot expert in basic training and was part of the BAR Team (Browning Automatic Rifle). On October 22, 1960 he married the love of his life, Betty Maas, at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Horicon. On March 1, 1964, Dennis began working at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and worked his way up to Fisheries Technician. Dennis loved every minute of his job, stocking fish in lakes across Wisconsin. He proudly retired on April 30, 1996 to spend time with his family. During his retirement he enjoyed going with Betty to their lake home in Rhinelander. He also enjoyed going to all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Dennis loved to spend time with his family and spent many hours in his woodshop making special wooden projects for all of them. He was also fond of playing cards, making maple syrup, and burning wood. Dennis was an avid fisherman and hunter, harvesting his largest buck this past November. 

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Betty of 63 years; his three children: Suzanne Michael, Kevin (Tammy) Michael, and Debra Schulz; 7 grandchildren: Mike Bintzler (Pamela Pautz), Jason Bintzler, Amanda Luedtke, Tyler (Kelsey) Schulz, Justin (Mikayla) Michael, April Schulz (Jonathan Hofer), and Jordan Michael (fiance Brooke); 6 great-grandchildren: Landon Hilgart, Preston Bintzler, Bryson and Brielle Luedtke, Hayes and Baby Schulz; sister-in-law, Betty Michael; and many nieces and nephews. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Earl, Elliot (Lynne), and Gerald Michael; sisters: Jane (Roman) Zangl and Irene (Ray) Siebel; great-granddaughter: Sylvie Schulz; and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Lila) Maas. 

Funeral services for Dennis R. Michael will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Horicon. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon where military honors will be provided. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 4-7p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Special thanks goes out to the medical team and nursing staff at the VA Hospital and UW Hospital in Madison for all the tremendous care they gave to Dennis and his family.