Michael C. Fitzpatrick

Michael Charles Fitzpatrick went home to be with his Lord on Monday, November 22nd, 2021.  He passed away at home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 83 years old. Michael was born on October 6th, 1938, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Patrick and Eleanor Fitzpatrick and grew up in Lomira. While attending Wisconsin State College at Oshkosh, Mike met his wife Sue, and they were married in 1963. Over the next few years, they had their three girls—Meredith, Laurie, and Nicole. 

The family moved to Chilton in 1965, where Mike began teaching math at Chilton High School. There he was a defensive coach for the football team—including the unbeaten, untied, unscored-upon team of 1969—and he initiated the Chilton wrestling program. He loved teaching and was a tough but beloved mentor. As one former student said, “We all know he was one he** of a coach, but I believe a better teacher and an even better man.” After working in the high school, Mike had a brief stint as a beekeeper.  Next he started up the Chilton Country Store, which he co-owned and ran for several years alongside the local Sears outlet center.  He then taught for the Green Bay Correctional Institution for 17 years before retiring in 2001. 

Upon retiring, he and Sue enjoyed multiple cross-country adventures in their motorcycle and sidecar. Always ready to help others, Mike was an ever-present figure in the community.  He rang the bell for the Salvation Army every holiday season for 20 years, whistling all the while. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend, and he will be deeply missed. 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:7

Mike is survived by his wife, Sue; his three daughters: Meredith (Michael) Huebschmann, Laurie Marsh, and Nicole Fitzpatrick; two grandchildren: Kate (Chris Canfield) Huebschmann-Canfield and John Huebschmann; a sister: Kathy Krapfl; sisters-in-law: Kris (Gary) Lettau and Rachel Freiburger; a brother-in-law: Jim (Sue) Krause; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents: Patrick and Eleanor; Sue’s parents: Janet and Robert Krause; a brother and sister-in-law: Patrick (Helen) Fitzpatrick; and brothers-in-law: Leon Krapfl and David Freiburger.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.). Friends may call from 11:00 am until 12:15 pm at the funeral home on the day of service.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Michael Fitzpatrick. Memorials can be sent to Wieting Family Funeral Home ℅ Michael Fitzpatrick 411 W. Main St. Chilton, WI 53014