Michael "Mitch" Adler

Michael “Mitch” Thomas Adler, age 73, of Waunakee passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 surrounded by his family following a critical illness he had bravely battled over the last 5 months.

Mitch was born on September 26, 1949, to Vincent and Adelaide (Dorn) Adler. He was raised in Waunakee and in 1968 graduated from Waunakee High School. Following graduation, he married the love of his life, Barb (Laufenberg) Adler on June 29, 1968. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage and 3 children.

Mitch was a carpenter and foreman for Michael F. Simon Builders throughout his career, a skill Mitch had passed down to his sons. He worked on building many homes until a stroke in 1999 forced him into early retirement. As a result, he lost most of his speech, but never let it keep him down. He fought hard and persevered to be strong again. Retirement allowed him much time to make memories with his grandchildren. Mitch was the 3rd in 4 generations of Adler men to serve on the Waunakee Fire Department, where he served for 27 years alongside his brother and son. He served as Steward for the department for 9 years where he made many delicious meals for his firefighter brothers.

Mitch enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bonding with his sons, family, and friends over many fishing trips and deer camps. He was an avid sports fan, and took advantage of every opportunity to watch a Brewer game, giving us a consistent update on the scores. He had a passion and patience for jigsaw puzzles, and you could always find Grandpa working on one, usually while watching a favorite western or old war movie. He liked to play cards, and did so daily, especially gin and solitaire. We will forever miss the sound of him singing “I won a game”. Mitch loved his family and spending time with them, whether sitting around the campfire or enjoying a cookout, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Barb, his children and grandchildren. Sons; Randy (Christa) Adler and Brian (Renee) Adler, daughter; Deann (Scott) Cannon, all of Waunakee. Grandchildren; Alex and Tyler Adler, Megan (Scott) Glynn and Reese Adler, Forrest and Lee Anderson, Ethan Cannon and great granddaughter; Sydney Glynn. Brothers; Donald (Donna) Adler, Gary (Mary) Adler, Russ (Jill) Adler, and sisters; Karen Niesen and Mary Marks. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law; Elaine Laufenberg and Vera Laufenberg, brothers-in-law; Paul (Lisa) Laufenberg and John (Nancy) Laufenberg, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and in-laws, Raymond (Ann) Laufenberg, he was preceded in death by his brother Rodney Adler, sister Audrey Kuehn, brothers-in-law; Allie Meinholz, Bob Niesen, Rodney Marks, Fred Laufenberg, sister-in-laws Edith Laufenberg and Sherry Adler, as well as son-in-law Jeff Anderson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday July 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Friends may call on Thurs. July 6, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee. Friends may also call at church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services.

                                                                                    Winn-Cress Funeral Home

                                                                                                 5785 Hwy Q

                                                                                              Waunakee, WI