Michael James Best

Michael James Best passed away at St. Mary’s hospital at the age of 83 years old. Mike was born June 18, 1941 and passed away on October 30, 2024. He married Frances L. Best (Caruso) on April 11, 1964. He graduated from Oregon High School. He worked in construction until going into law enforcement with the Dane County Sheriff's Dept. as a Detective and retired in 1999 after 30 years. He was a member of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association and the Deputy Sheriff's Association. After retiring, Mike worked for Endres and Endl in private security until 2023. 

Mike was a hunter and fisherman and fished 3 to 4 days per week with his longtime friend, David Branley.

Survivors are his wife Frances of 61 years; son David Best and daughter Lynn Best-Smith. Granddaughters Riley Scallon (Best) and Shyanne Smith. Great Granddaughters Paislee Scallon, Hadleigh Scallon, and great grandsons Kaisen Scallon and Huntlee Scallon. 

He is also survived by his sister, Diane Maloney (Mike), and sisters-in-law Carol Krause, Phyllis O’Toole and Cheryl Caruso, brothers-in-law Mike Maloney and John Krause; his favorite niece and godchild Kathy Gile and many nieces and nephews. 

 Mike was preceded in death by his father, Shirley E. Best in 1950 and his mother Laura Best (Zimmer) in 2001. Also father-in-law, Fred Caruso and mother-in-law, Lillian Caruso (Weise). Brother-in-law John Caruso and Jerry Knobeck and Dan O’Toole and sister-in-law Virginia Knobeck (Caruso)

 There will be no service.