Michael Adler

Michael R. (Mike) Adler, age 68, lost his long and courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 with family and friends at his side. Mike valued caring for his family and giving back to the community. His outgoing personality, sense of humor, dedication, and extreme loyalty left lasting memories never to be forgotten. Even though he faced life-long adversities, Mike never allowed anything, even cancer, to stop him from doing what he loved.

Born on September 2, 1948 to Gerald and Leona (Endres) Adler, Mike grew up on the family farm outside Waunakee and attended Catholic school in Ashton. Upon graduating from Middleton High School he married Etta (Whitford) Adler, the love of his life, on August 2, 1969. Initially a skilled welder, Mike independently sold life insurance locally until discovering his true calling as a commercial bus driver. Aside from taking groups on tours and vacations nationwide, he performed school bus routes; transported student athletes to sporting events, and enjoyed the distinguished honor of being the driver for Madison College Athletics and the Madison Mallards baseball team. Mike's community devotion was further demonstrated through over 25 years of Waunakee EMS service, 18 years as an elected member of the Waunakee Board of Education (seven as president), and leadership in other community organizations.

Mike is survived by his wife Etta, children Scott Adler, Stuart Adler, and Lisa (Tony) Wise; grandchildren Savannah Wise and Charlie and Tucker Adler; sisters Mary Lou Kuehn, Rosie (Dennis) Marcely, and Geralyn (Virgil) Waugh; brother Joe (Marilyn) Adler; mother-in-law Elaine Maloney; several nieces and nephews, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Eugene Ledworowski; Grandmother Catherine Adler; brothers-in-law Jeff Whitford and Stan Kuehn and fathers-in-law, Ed Maloney and Joe Whitford.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Church 209 South St Waunakee on Monday, May 1, 2017 from 4pm until 7pm. Funeral services will be held at St. John the Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 with a visitation from 10am-11am and funeral mass at 11am, with burial services to follow in the parish cemetery.

The family would like to thank the multitude of doctors, nurses, and all support staff at UW Hospital, UW Health, and the American Center for the wonderful care Mike received over the past four years. We especially want to thank the amazing ICU/Cardiology doctors and staff at UW Hospital for their exceptional care and for ensuring Mike left us peacefully and with grace and dignity. In lieu of flowers the family will determine a Memorial at a later date.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"
--Timothy 4:7

Please share your memories of Mike.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI