Michael "Spike" T. Bieganek

Spike (Michael) Bieganek, a creative genius, master tattoo artist, devoted husband and father, and loyal friend, passed away on May 26 after living with cancer. He was 59 years old.

Born on January 29, 1967, to Richard and Elaine Bieganek in Berlin, Wisconsin, Spike began life in a small town, but there was nothing small about the life he would go on to lead. His imagination, creativity, passion, and generosity touched countless people across the world.

Known to many as “Spike-O-Matic,” a nickname given to him by a mechanic in northern Wisconsin during his young adulthood, Spike built an international reputation as an artist whose work was as distinctive as his personality. His interest in tattoos was sparked by a small dragon tattoo he got in Hawaii, an experience that led him to the work that became his life’s passion. He began his tattooing career in 1992 at Steve’s Tattoo in Madison, Wisconsin, where he became known for his exceptional talent, unique style, and bold use of color. In 1999, he moved to Sweden, where he spent three years tattooing at Viking Tattoo in Linköping, further expanding his artistic influence and earning recognition from clients and artists around the globe.

Well-versed in realistic, traditional, and Rat Fink style tattooing, Spike spent the last two decades operating his own studio, Spike-O-Matic, in Madison. There, he created custom artwork that often transformed clients into lifelong friends. He believed deeply in his craft, once remarking that he could only complete so many tattoos in a lifetime and wanted every one of them to be his very best.

Spike’s creativity extended far beyond tattooing. A true builder and inventor, he was constantly creating, restoring, or reimagining something. His basement studio overflowed with sculptures, models, paintings, BMX bikes, and tattoo machines, each reflecting his imagination, patience, and attention to detail. His garage evolved into a year-round body shop where he poured his talent into projects like The Black Pearl, his Ford Falcon with its chopped top and custom paint, his Nova with its roaring blower, and the Model T he was steadily bringing to life.

Over the years, Spike’s creativity found its way into murals, dioramas, and even life-sized talking robots. One of his most recent projects was a stone patio he designed and built by hand, with the same care and precision he brought to everything he made. Creating was simply part of who he was. Even the boxes of his favorite snacks became miniature dioramas in his hands, another example of the creativity that was always part of him.

Spike’s adventurous spirit led him across the world to meet the love of his life, Veronica. Together for 28 years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and friendship. As their worlds merged, so did their circles of friends, many of whom became family. Spike was known by many but chose his closest friends carefully. Fiercely loyal and endlessly generous, he was always ready to lend a hand—whether fixing a flat tire, diagnosing an engine problem or helping with a project.

In addition to Veronica, Spike’s greatest joy was being a father to his daughter, Tilly. His family was his light, his purpose, and the center of his world. He loved Veronica and Tilly completely and without reservation. Those fortunate enough to be counted among his close friends were also considered family. Spike surrounded himself with good people and gave them his unwavering trust, loyalty, and affection.

Spike had a special love for children and delighted in creating magical experiences for them. He enthusiastically dressed up for Halloween and accompanied Tilly and her friends on trick-or-treat adventures long after most parents would have retired their costumes. He shared Tilly’s love of thrifting and happily spent weekends taking her to garage sales and treasure hunting for unique finds. As she grew up, Spike shared his love of creating and tinkering with Tilly by teaching her to work on her car and by dreaming up and building many projects together. But above all else, Spike wanted everyone to find their own personal passion and always encouraged Tilly to do what she loved.

Spike leaves behind a legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, kindness, and friendship. His artwork lives on in the tattoos he created, the cars he restored, the projects he built, and most importantly, in the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and love.

Special thanks to each of the “friends who are family” who provided unlimited support and love to Spike, Veronica and Tilly. Thanks to Dr. Amy Taylor and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their excellent care. Also to people who helped care for Spike, Veronica and Tilly at Interim HealthCare, Cress Funeral Home and Natural Path Sanctuary, thank you for making a very difficult time manageable.

A celebration of Spike’s life will be held at a future date.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison (608) 249-6666

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com