Michael “Mike” Joseph Wiza, 60

Michael “Mike” Joseph Wiza, of Polonia, passed away peacefully in his home, on January 13, 2024, at the age of 60.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 7379 Church St., Custer. Rev. Mark Miller will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Mike was born March 20, 1963, in Stevens Point, the son of the late Edwin and Dolores (née Bronk) Wiza. He grew up in Polonia, attending local schools and graduating from Stevens Point Area Senior High in 1981. When he was younger, he and his family took many trips to Twin Lakes to go fishing with cane poles; a favorite pastime of his as a young boy. Additionally, his love of motors began early; he loved riding his Honda CT70 motorbike and working on his Trans Am. On Saturday nights, Mike could be found staying up late, watching All-Star Wrestling; another passion of his.

After high school, Mike entered the workforce, where he worked hard at any position he held. In September of 1988, he began a new and exciting chapter of his life; he got married to Sherry Feltz. While the marriage ended in 2019, the love he learned from becoming a father, never did. His son, Kyle, christened him into fatherhood in 1989. Then, in 1991, he welcomed another son, Derek. In 1993, his youngest son, Brandon, joined the family.

Mike was incredibly proud of his boys and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. He took them on adventures 4-wheeling, fishing, go-karting, and their annual trip to the Iola Car Show. They all enjoyed the great outdoors together and looked forward to family trips to the cabin up north. One of Mike’s proudest days, a day he referred to as “his Super Bowl”, was the day all three of his boys were dressed up for Derek’s wedding and his extended family was together.

While Mike’s boys were truly the apple of his eye, everything changed when little Ellie was born in 2014. Ellie, his one and only grandchild, was a ray of light in his life. The two were very close and developed a strong bond with one another. Mike joyfully took responsibility for picking Ellie up from school every day, and jumped at any opportunity to hang out with her.

Mike was also well known for his soft spot for all living creatures; but most specifically dogs. Dogs really like him as well; we’re pretty sure it had nothing to do with the treats he always had in his pocket for them. Either way, Mike went out of his way to stop at his boys’ homes just to see the pups. He gave ample treats to Lambeau, Giannis, Bobby, Jr., Molly, Graceson, Maya, Zoey, and Annie whenever he saw them. Of course, he would play a few rounds of fetch as well; his grandpups deserved some playtime, too. He never missed a chance to dogsit the family dogs. As if all those family dogs weren’t enough, he also enjoyed visiting the Humane Society on a regular basis, bringing toys and, of course, treats.

Mike had a variety of interests that he enjoyed in life. While his greatest passion was his family, human and non-human, his love of motors never faded. He spent endless hours working on cars alongside his boys, Kyle and Brandon. He also enjoyed watching sports, specifically Wisconsin teams. After 50 years, Mike was thrilled to watch the Milwaukee Bucks win a championship. In his quieter moments, Mike enjoyed simply sitting in his garage, listening to the Oldies, with his best friend, Driver, by his side. Of course, who could resist playing a little fetch with Driver as well; Mike sure couldn’t, and that was a frequent addition to their garage time.

Mike was a laid back, easygoing, but outgoing person, with a quirky sense of humor, who would give the shirt off his own back for someone. He loved to make people laugh and could hold a conversation with anyone. Mike knew how to make people feel important; always paying attention to the little things about them, and tucking that nugget away, to use for something special. Sometimes going overboard when playing host or when attending family gatherings; he wanted those around him to know how much he loved them. He was a beloved grandfather, father, son, uncle, brother, and friend whose thoughtfulness, caring, and sense of humor will be deeply missed.

Mike is lovingly survived by his sons, Kyle Wiza, Derek (Noelle) Wiza, and Brandon Wiza, all of Stevens Point; his beloved granddaughter, Ellie Wiza; and his loving companion, Driver, a beautiful German Shepherd. He is further survived by his sisters, Chris (Tom) Clinton of Amherst, Betty (Rob) Kirsch of Stevens Point, and Kathy (Nels) Lea of Cadot; and his brother, Randy (Gail) Wiza of Montana.

Mike was welcomed Home by his parents, Edwin and Delores; and to sloppy kisses and vigorous tail wags of several of his canine family from over the years.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.