Michael J. Kuplic, 59

Michael J. Kuplic, age 59, died peacefully at his home under a sea of laser-generated stars, with his family at his side on Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2021. His death followed a valiant five-week battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mike was born on July 20, 1962, to Katherine and Elroy Kuplic in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The family moved to the Galloway, Wis., area in 1970, and Mike graduated with honors from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School in 1980.

He attended the Wisconsin School of Electronics and graduated top of his class in 1982. He moved to Aurora, Illinois, and worked in the Beams and Accelerator divisions at Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory until his death.

Mike met the love of his life, Debbie Gandee, in 1992. They married on August 5, 1995, and took a honeymoon cross-country camping trip on his Harley Davidson. The couple enjoyed riding, camping, and working with local fraternal organizations to benefit the community.

Very early on in their marriage, Debbie began exhibiting physical and psychological symptoms of Huntington’s Disease. Her health continued to decline until her total incapacitation in 2001. Mike cared for Debbie every day—feeding and dressing her, taking her to daycare, attending to her every need. Eventually, as it often happens, Mike’s health failed and he had to have major surgery to save his life.

Debbie moved to full-time nursing care at Jenning’s Terrace, but as soon as he could walk again, Mike went to Debbie’s side every night, fed her supper, and put her to bed. When he was able, Mike began bringing Debbie home with him after work every Friday and taking her back to Jennings on Monday mornings before he went to work. Debbie died peacefully in their home early in the morning of August 6, 2012. Mike’s unfailing, unconditional love for his dear Debbie, and the deep sacrifices he made for her touched everyone who knew them. They had a love like no other.

Mike is survived by his mother, his daughter Cindy Dunn, and his siblings Terry Higgins, Steve Kuplic, and Sharon Balderas. He was preceded in death by his father and his beloved Debbie.

Deepest thanks to the third-floor staff of AMITA Mercy Medical Center, especially Jen and David, as well as Advocate Hospice nurses Stephanie and Nicole, who made our journey one of love for our brother.

Funeral services for Mike will be held on Thursday, December 2, at 11 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church on Hwy. 54 between Plover and Waupaca. Father Peter Manickam will officiate and burial will follow afterward at St. Patrick cemetery on Hwy. 54.

Friends and family will gather to remember Mike and share stories on Wednesday, December 1, from 4-7 p.m. with Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com