Michael Goelz

Michael Goelz, aka "Mike" or "Grandpa Mike", age 72, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and died on July 2, 2022, holding the hand of his beloved wife, travel partner and co-grandparent Sue Goelz at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, WI where he spent his final days surrounded by family.

Mike spent his childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Sandia High School. He attended college at the UW Milwaukee and earned a degree in engineering. He married his first wife, Patricia McCarty, in 1980 and enjoyed several years traveling and establishing a home in Oak Creek, WI. In 2001, he married Susan (Hanson) Goelz and quickly became a grandparent to five granddaughters; Alex, Maddy, Libby, CeCe and Ivy of whom became his heart and soul. Mike and Sue loved to travel and were blessed with the opportunity to see a great deal of the US, Europe, the Caribbean and China with Mike's six month work assignment. He had a special place in his heart for two destinations; the Wisconsin Northwoods where he spent countless hours near the lake with his family creating cherished memories with his siblings, nieces and nephews, his wife, stepchildren, and grandchildren; and Las Vegas playing blackjack with the best.

Mike enjoyed a long career at Eaton Corporation formerly known as Cooper Power Systems in South Milwaukee, WI as an electrical engineer and retired in 2015.  His professional colleagues and friends there remember him as a kind and highly competent engineer whose influence continues to benefit the company. In 2009, Mike and Sue built their dream home in Racine, WI. Here, they met many friends, hosted several social events including movie groups, countless family birthdays and holidays, enjoyed UW-Parkside events and attended the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church before moving to Madison in 2017 to be closer to family.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother Lyla and father Lawrence Goelz and sister-in-law Janet Goelz.  He will be missed by his sisters Cindy (Ken) and Mindy (Floyd) and brother Jeff (late Janet); nieces Leann, Jaimie, and Amanda, and nephews Paul, Matthew, and Anthony; wife Sue Goelz, stepchildren Amy (Tracy), Andy (Angie), Kristen (Andy) and beloved grandchildren.

Mike is at peace now after a valiant battle with heart disease and terminal dementia. He spent his last seven months at Vista West Memory Center in Madison, WI where he met the most compassionate care staff and quickly became friends with everyone.  In Mike's final gesture to humanity, he has donated his brain to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Research Center with the hope of finding a cure to this relentless disease.

There will be a private celebration of Mike in the near future. If you would like to donate in Mike’s memory, please consider two special organizations: The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and Agrace Hospice; both contributed immensely to ensuring Mike’s final journey was filled with love and compassion.

Please remember Mike and raise a glass of wheat beer in honor of him, especially the next time you choose a spicy entree, drive with the top down, sing in the shower, order a chocolate malt (with extra malt), listen to Fleetwood Mac, visit the Northwoods, thoroughly read the instruction manual of a new product (multiple times!), play a game of pool or ping pong, catch the original Parent Trap movie, travel to Albuquerque, play blackjack in Vegas, admire the stars, or hug your grandchildren.  These were some of Mike's cherished moments and memories not even dementia could erase.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

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