Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Michael James Lee, age 68, of Oshkosh, died at Aurora Medical Center, Oshkosh, Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
He was born in Oshkosh on December 8, 1951, the son of Arnold and Ellen Mae (Crowley) Lee of Omro. Growing up, he was active in 4-H. Mike graduated from Omro High School and Fox Valley Technical College.
On May 28, 1977, Mike married Nancy Kilsdonk. Survivors include his wife, Nancy, Oshkosh; two daughters, Karen and her significant other Eric Lamers, Little Chute; Rebecca Jenkinson and son-in-law Chris, grandchildren, Eve and Jett Jenkinson, step-grandchildren, Olivia and Nolan Jenkinson, all of Berlin; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Christine Lee, Omro; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Nancy) Kilsdonk, Plainfield, IL; Gary (Eileen) Kilsdonk, Sun City West, AZ; Ronald (Jeanne) Kilsdonk, Appleton. He also had many very special nieces and nephews, and a favorite dog, Shadow.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth Ann and Donny Kallas; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Esther (Mars) Kilsdonk; and a brother-in-law, Mark Kilsdonk.
Mike worked for many years at Morgan Products, and was also employed at Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Konsult, Inc., J.J. Keller & Associates and SCIO Inspire as a Database Analyst. Mike loved to garden, enjoyed woodworking, camping, playing cribbage, cooking and made the best Thanksgiving dressing. One of his favorite things to do was teach the kids and grandkids how to make their own pizza! He enjoyed playing music as a member of the Oshkosh Area Community Band. Also, a favorite hobby of his was metal detecting. He was a member of the Deep Digging Iowa Metal Detecting Group, N.E.W. Metal Detecting Club, and had many close friends at the Metal Detecting Group in Berlin.
We would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Intensive Care Unit at Aurora Medical Center for the loving care and attention they gave Mike.
A PRIVATE visitation and funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne. Burial will follow in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Poygan.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Linda Monday wrote on November 4, 2020
I was devastated to learn of Mike's passing, and even more so that the services need to be private. I loved my cousin and wish I could be there to say goodbye and to remember him with the rest of the family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn Mike. He was a great man and loved by many!
Rene Palmer wrote on November 3, 2020
Nancy and family - So sad to hear of Mike's passing due to Covid. Our prayers for peace and comfort will be with your family.
Bruce R Bartel wrote on November 2, 2020
So sorry to hear about Mikes passing god bless you all.
Dennis and Nancy Kilsdonk wrote on November 2, 2020
Dear Nan, Karen, Becky, Chris and Jenkinson and Lee Families,
We were so extremely sad to learn of Mike's passing due to this terrible virus. He was INDEED a favorite brother-in-law, the person we chose to be our son's Godfather, and just truly a good, kind, fun, wonderful man, with an infectious laugh, who one enjoyed being around. We will surely miss our getaways together and enjoying card games, especially Sequence, and Mike's competitive spirit. May God keep you in His care and continually bless each of you with many wonderful memories of time spent with Mike.
Love,
Den & Nan
Anne Van Handel wrote on November 1, 2020
So sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Barb (Tolejano) Stieg wrote on November 1, 2020
Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about Mike. My heart goes out to you and your family. I worked many years at Morgan's with Mike. He always made our workdays easier. He was truly one of the nicest guys I've ever known . Prayers for you and your family.
Barbara Leichtfuss wrote on November 1, 2020
Many fond memories of being a “band buddy “ with Mike in high school. Truly a great guy! God’s blessings to your family Mike as they grieve. May you Rest In Peace!
Eileen Kilsdonk wrote on November 1, 2020
Mike was a "true blue" all around nice guy who made me feel welcome into the Kilsdonk/Lee clan. He always had a kind word and amile on his face and was always willing to go out of his way, often traveling to Milwaukee, to see us when we were in Wisconsin. On behalf of the Shannon clan, i send my deepest condolences to Nancy, Karen, Becky and all of Mike's grieving family and friends.
Dan & Barb Davis wrote on October 31, 2020
Tom & family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May he always remain in your hearts.
Jack and Joan Radtke wrote on October 31, 2020
So sorry to hear the sad news. We have many fond memories of many years working with Mike at Morgan's and will also miss seeing and hearing him playing with the Oshkosh Community Band. Because we are isolating, we can not share our condolences in person.
Ron and Jean Kilsdonk wrote on October 31, 2020
This is one of those times where "Life Just Isn't Fair". Mike was a friend of mine from Fox Valley Tech. When he told me that he wanted to date my sister Nan, I trusted Mike. When he told me he was going to propose to her I knew he would be a great husband. When they got married I knew he would be a great dad. And, he still is a great friend, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, etc. Mike we will all miss you always! Forever in our hearts and memories.
Love ya, Ron
Andrew Kallas wrote on October 31, 2020
You will be so missed Uncle Mike! I have so many memories with you from playing buck up with the whole family! You were a great Godfather to me. Thank you so much. You will be greatly missed.
Jean Genrich wrote on October 31, 2020
I was saddened to hear of Mike's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
cynthia bruss wrote on October 31, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to YOUR FAMILY. Mike was truly the NICEST guy ALWAYS. I remember many smiles shared with him in High School..and when I would randomly see him when he played with the community band. Its so hard to believe .. I just think we all need to hold on to everyday and share the same smile MIKE ..always had. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!
Joneen Lee wrote on October 31, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss of Mike, and all the ways you feel his absence. I hope it comforts you to know that so many others in your mutual family and community are grieving his passing along with you. I grew up with Mike as a sweet, quiet, smiling and caring cousin and friend, in family gatherings, school and 4-H activities. I was always proud that Mike was my cousin, because of his loving and kind nature. I was also proud that we were cousins in high school, because of his caring and kindness, humility, and smiling, generous, loving personality. I’ve always enjoyed talking with him at reunions and chance meetings over the years, hearing about his success and happiness in life. He’s always been known for being caring, kind, optimistic, intelligent, and loving. Along with you, I’ll miss his smiling face and kindness here with us. But we can continue to carry his loving spirit in our hearts and memories, until we’re reunited. My prayers are with you all. May you feel God’s love and comfort in the days ahead.
Sandy Briese wrote on October 30, 2020
Sympathy to all. So very sorry for your loss. Mike helped me so. One day I was pounding and there he stood. He asked if I needed help. I said he could supervise my work. I will miss, Mike. He helped me burn my stumps too. This won’t be easy. One hour at a time. Thoughts and prayers to you all
Mark & Wendy Krings wrote on October 30, 2020
It was so hard to hear of Mike's passing. We go way back to the 4-H days of our youth.The class of 70 put off the 50 year reunion slated for this fall in hopes we could safely gather next year. Mike is the third class member we have lost in the wait. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Mike was a wonderful person.