Michael Brennecke

MADISON - Without warning, Thursday morning, March 30th, God decided he needed another angel in heaven and so he called his son, Michael Eugene Brennecke, to join him. Michael was born to George and Setsuko (Seito) Brennecke on October 9, 1951 in Sasebo, Japan.
Michael was a loving husband of 35 years to his wife, Mary Laedtke, and an exceptionally loving dad to his children, Mikayla and Matthew. He used his wry sense of humor in all aspects of his life and with almost all people in his life. He graciously handled the various moves and new jobs that were required as a military spouse; always putting his wife's Army career before his own. Michael worked the majority of his life helping others in health care settings as a nursing assistant, an LPN, and as an Occupational therapist, a profession he proudly worked in for the past 36 years until his retirement in 2016. Michael's dedication to others continued as he volunteered at Unity Point-Meriter HELP program from his retirement until his death. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from UW Madison and his Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University.
Michael loved the Badgers, the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Milwaukee Brewers and instilled that love in his children. He, Matt and Mikayla attended many Bucks and Brewers games through the years. He loved working with plants and various landscape projects. He was a self-starter who never needed a "honey-do" list. Michael enjoyed helping others, but he did not want attention paid to him for his many kindnesses to others as he liked being "behind the scenes".
His love for family spread well beyond his wife and two children as he was the oldest of seven children: Gilbert (Laurie), Jim (Jean), Donna (Bill) Neeman, Cathy (Luke) Armstrong, DeeDee (Mike) Heath, and Dorothy.
Michael is predeceased by his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousin.
Per the family's wishes, there will no memorial service and a private inurnment. Instead, the family hopes that all who knew Michael would honor him with laughter, acts of kindness, and tolerance toward others.
Michael was a one in a million husband, dad, brother, uncle, friend, and man. His passing leaves a gigantic hole in our hearts and lives.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials can be made in Michael's memory to UW Hospital's Preventive Cardiology Program so that heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented.

Cress
Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road Madison
608-238-3434