Michael Arthur Koelpin, known to family and friends as “Mike” or “Mick”, passed away on June 23, 2018, at the age of 74 years. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church, 919 W. Main St., Palmyra, WI 53156. Catholic service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Mike was born in Milwaukee, WI to William P. and Margaret (nee Reiff) Koelpin.
He graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1961. He met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Gonnering after a mutual friend requested they babysit for their children. They bonded over their love of horses.
They married October 10, 1964 and raised a family in Muskego, WI, where they lived for 45 years. Mike earned four certifications in the sprinkler fitting trade which was and is, an uncommon feat. He owned his own sprinkler fitting construction business for over ten years while supporting his wife and three children.
After selling his business, he went into car sales with Wilde dealerships, enjoying many years with his fellow coworkers, and retired after 25 years with Wilde Automotive Group. After raising his children, Mike and Judy traveled the U.S. visiting many historical places and enjoying their adventures, eventually settling down in Palmyra, WI where Mike leaves behind his horse, Harley. Mike loved to read and spend time with his horse, family, especially his grandchildren, and friends.
Mike is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Timothy (Dana) Koelpin, grandson, Bradley; two daughters, Michelle (Patrick) Kendall, grandson, Thomas, and Mary Cavaiani, grandchildren Lindsey and Maxwell; sister, Kathy (George “Lennie”) Bresnahan, sisters-in-laws, Janice Koelpin, Charlene (Deveron) Krueger, Arlene (Robert) Leitinger, Marilyn Stark; brother-in-law, Dale (Arley) Gonnering and many nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents; in-laws Harry and Dorothy Schwenke, brother, William J. Koelpin; brother-in-laws, Frank Stark, Roger Schwenke and sister-in-law Geri Schwenke; and grandson, Samuel Cavaiani. Mike also leaves behind special friends John and Michelle Mehring who not only cared for Harley, but also brought a lot of joy and sunshine into his and Judy’s life.
A special thank you to Diane for all her special efforts saddling Harley and accompanying Mike and Judy on his last horseback ride to the end of the trail. The family would like to thank Dennis and Allie of Home Hospice and the staff at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI for all the extraordinary care and compassion Mike received. The family is requesting memorials be sent in Mike’s memory to Angels Grace Hospice.
Donations may be made to: Pro Health Care Foundation (AngelsGrace Hospice) 725 American Ave, Waukesha WI 53188 Web: www. prohealthcare.org/foundation-make-a-gift.
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