Kathleen “Kate” A. Michek

STITZER – Kathleen “Kate” Ann Michek, age 87, passed away on Wednesday July 31, 2024, at Crestridge in Dodgeville. She was born in Woodman, WI on July 20, 1937; the youngest child of Mark and Anna (Winters) Hanley.

Kate graduated from Boscobel High School in 1954. She married the love of her life, Melvin Michek on August 16, 1960, at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Mount Hope. They would have celebrated 64 years married this year. Kate and Melvin spent nearly 64 years farming together. Although it was hard, exhausting work at times, it was a life that they both loved wholeheartedly. Not only did Kate take great pride in her role on the farm, she was also a wonderful, devoted mother to their five children. After her children were grown, she cherished the time spent watching her grandchildren grow. Kate was an avid sports fan and always cheered on the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and the Panthers. In her younger years, Kate played and coached softball. She always looked forward to watching her children and grandchildren’s various sporting events. Kate loved listening and dancing to polka music with Melvin. They also enjoyed snowmobiling and playing cards, especially Euchre and 500. Kate was a country and western music fan and enjoyed attending concerts over the years. Time spent with family and friends were some of Kate’s most treasured memories and her presence will be dearly missed.

Kate is survived by her husband, Melvin; five children: Linda (Bob) Bishop, Judy (Jim) Hutchcroft, Sharon (Tim) Stampfl, Doug (Karen) Michek, and Marcia (Dave) Fritz; 17 grandchildren: Aaron (Teagan) Bishop, Andrew (Emily) Bishop, Amber (Jacob) Marshall, Janaye (Wes) Hutchcroft, Jackson Hutchcroft, Jordan Hutchcroft, Justin Hutchcroft, Brian (Paige) Stampfl, Taylor (Ben) Miller, Brandon Michek, Ryan Michek, Dustin Michek, Kristin (Blake) Butteris, Garret (Kylie) Bingham, Dylan Bingham, Cora Fritz, and Kyle Fritz; 12 great grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Gene Hanley and Carol (Jack) Lathrop; brother in-law, Gilbert (Theresa) Michek; sisters in-law, Mona Hennessey and Rosemary Michek; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Anna Hanley; mother and father in-law, Alfred and Teresa Michek; sisters in-law: JoAnne Hanley, Jean Michek, Ursula Michek, and Rosie Kosharek; and brothers in-law: Alfred Michek Jr., Ray Michek, Cletus Michek, Virgil Kosharek, and Robert Hennessey.