Mike passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 9, 2017. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary (nee Bruders). Cherished father of Jim (Traci), Kevin, Brian, Tara (Joe) Lazzaro, Kelly (Patrick) Burns, Dan (Hailey), and Tommy. Loving grandfather of Josiah, Evangeline, Annalise, Calvin, Judson, Mia and Aria. Favorite brother of Laurie (Mike) Shimeta, Cindy (Jeff) Junek, and Julie. Adored son-in-law of Tom and Mary Bruders. Hilarious brother-in-law of Tom (Elly), Tim (Jane), Patrice Bartelt (Mike O’Leary) and Julie. Predeceased by his parents Ed and Kaye, and sister Lynn. Born in Milwaukee on February 18, 1951 and recently retired from Johnson Controls after 43 years of dedicated service.

Mike obtained his Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He met his beautiful wife during a blind date, proposed after 3 months and married 3 months later, celebrating 34 years of marriage in April. His long-term “Friday the 13th” friends were always around to share a laugh. Mike’s dry sense of humor and dad jokes were enjoyed by all. He shook Christmas presents every year to take a guess as to what was inside. Mike was an avid Packers fan, enjoying the games at home with family and the occasional game at Lambeau field with his wife. He had a love for muscle cars and owned several Mustangs and a Camaro. He even offered to teach his kids how to drive stick shift on his cars before getting his most recent Mustang GT. Mike often talked about the perfect pancakes he made from Peter Piper Pancake House, as well as his 8th grade St. Sebastian’s 13-0 season, where he got a trophy that made a permanent home on the fireplace mantel. He was proud of his Irish and Czech heritage and went to Irish Fest each year with family. Mike enjoyed 4th of July picnics and Christmas with the family. As the kids grew up, he took video of every present opening with the video camera and tripod. He fixed everything with duct tape, labeled “Baxa” on all items with permanent marker and even carried around his miniature wallet pen to always be ready for a quick note. Mike enjoyed many travels with his wife, going to Ireland together twice.  He also enjoyed going on cruises with his grandchildren and exploring the world with his family.  Mike watched two of his seven children get married this summer and fall, spending the evenings with family and friends. Since retiring this past August, Mike was excited to be tutoring children in math and being a mentor at Blessed Savior in Milwaukee. He enjoyed spending retired mornings picking raspberries and sharing with his granddaughter, having a cup of coffee with his wife and going on walks. His last night on earth was spent having a small family dinner, game night and quality time with Mary.

Visitation on Monday, November 13, at St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Brookfield, WI from 10:30AM until Eulogy at 12:45PM. A mass of Christian Burial at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Women’s Support Center of Milwaukee.

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