Michael John McGrath

Michael John McGrath, age 64, loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home, Sunday, September 7^th 2008. Michael ""Mike"" was born on November 2^nd 1943, the son of Glen and Edna (Kraak) McGrath. Michael grew up in Madison where he graduated from Madison West High School in 1961 and attended Madison Business College and the University of Wisconsin Madison where he was trained as an architect. He proudly served our country in the United States Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge. Michael married Peggy Martin in 1968 and soon after became a proud father who enjoyed spending time with his family and watching them grow. Michael was an accomplished, award winning architect with many of his designs featured in the Parade of Homes throughout Wisconsin. His profession allowed him to run his own architectural design firm and to see and work in many parts of the country. His interests were vast and varied as he was an artist, musician and a lifelong student of history. His sense of humor, wit and charisma were key components of his personality and he always enjoyed making those around him smile. He loved his family and took great pride in seeing his talents passed on to his children and grandchildren. Michael will be sorely missed by all those that he touched and inspired. He is survived by his sister, Patricia (Jim) Pidlypchak; his three children, Heather (Jeff) Sorenson, Christopher (Annie) McGrath and Michael McGrath Jr.; his five grandchildren, Colin Stachurski, Hillary Stachurski, Caitlin McGrath, Griffin McGrath and Cooper Sorenson; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11^th, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, with a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until time of services. A private burial service with military honors is scheduled for Friday, September 12^th at 11:30am at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 2705 Regent St, Madison.