Oct 23, 2014
Ready Randy’s Banquet
Michael Jay Walsh, age 64 of New Richmond, WI, died on Thursday, October 23 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. While cancer claimed Mike’s life in the end, it will never claim his invincible spirit. For two-an- half years he fought the good fight without complaint…with a braveness the rest of us will always admire. He will be dearly missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Mike was born in Amery, WI, on May 9, 1950, to Don and Pearl (Hecht) Walsh. He was born on the heels of his brother, Don (13 months apart in age), and that often prompted his mom to say the boys were like having twins the hard way. Mike spent the first 20 years of his life growing up on the south end of Cedar Lake where he developed his love of the outdoors, especially hunting & fishing. Mike graduated from New Richmond High School in 1968 where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball; receiving honor athlete of the year in 1968. Mike also graduated from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1972 with a degree in Business Administration. He married the love of his life, Julie Waidelich, on May 20, 1972, in New Richmond, where they have lived ever since. They also spent many enjoyable hours with family and friends at their lake home on Church Pine. Mike and Julie loved to travel and attend sporting events. Nieces and nephews will never forget the effort they made to come to their games and activities. They were always there to offer support… cheering them on from the sidelines and stands. Mike spent his entire working career in the telecommunications industry including 20 years as general manager of St. Croix Telephone in New Richmond. Mike was also a member of the Wisconsin State Telephone Association and actively served on a variety of professional committees and local organizations. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Jesse J. Waidelich, brothers-in-law Tony Danna, and Douglas Dahl. He is survived by his wife Julie, brother Don (Cheryl) Walsh, sister Nola Kaye Danna, Mother-in-law Evelyn Waidelich, sisters-in-law Sharonne (Gary) Tulgren, Jody (Jim) Faschingbauer, Jennifer (Kevin) Luke, brother-in-law Jesse (Lynnette) Waidelich. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including Mark Danna, Jill Danna, Brianna Nigro, Colin Walsh, Sheila Haasnoot, Robin Sargent, Troy Tulgren, Brock Tulgren, Roberta Crotteau, Dion Dahl, Adam Waidelich, Holly Mckeever, Heather Zinda, Kelsey, Cody, Kayla, and Colten Faschingbauer, Keenan and Turner Michael Luke; along with many great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, October 26 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cullen Crea Funeral home in New Richmond, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be held at Ready Randy’s in New Richmond the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.