After a brief battle with cancer, Michael John Vandersteen, 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, surrounded by family.
Born on May 16, 1952, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mike was the oldest of eight children. From an early age, Mike learned the value of hard work and responsibility, beginning with numerous paper routes and various jobs that helped shape his strong work ethic and independence.
While attending UW–Green Bay, Mike worked for DuBois Formalwear. In June 1973, he accepted the opportunity to manage their new Sheboygan location, a role he would hold with dedication and pride for the next 40 years. Encouraged to become involved in the community, Mike joined the Sheboygan Jaycees, an experience that profoundly influenced his life. He served as Jaycees president, helped launch lasting community projects, and formed lifelong friendships.
Mike’s commitment to public service led him to serve on the Sheboygan City Planning Commission and numerous advisory boards. He went on to spend 27 years in elected office, serving as alderman, county supervisor, county board chairman, and ultimately as Mayor of Sheboygan, a position he held for two terms. Serving as mayor was a meaningful capstone to his professional and civic life. He enjoyed nothing more than discussing this fine city with friends and acquaintances.
In retirement, Mike remained deeply engaged in the community through Rotary, including work with ROOTS (Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan), the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, and the Making Spirits Bright board of directors, supporting the annual holiday lights display benefiting the Sheboygan Food Bank.
Mike and his wife, Julie (Backes), were married on August 8, 1981. The same dedication and commitment that Mike gave to his community, he shared with his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. From instilling his values in his children, to joining his wife on adventures such as e-biking, trips to Europe, and enjoying winters in Florida, to being a loving grandfather, Mike was a man to be admired.
Mike is survived by his wife, Julie Vandersteen; his son, Rob Vandersteen (Kelsey), of Middleton, Wisconsin, and their daughters, Leah and Ruby; and his daughter, Katie McMahan (Nate), of Holliston, Massachusetts, and their daughters, Caroline and Amelia. He is also survived by his five brothers (Paul, Jim, John, David, and Joe) and two sisters (Mary White and Judy Ledvina). He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Bradtke) and Donald Vandersteen.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff from Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their professional and loving care. They are also extremely grateful for the family and friends who visited, brought meals, and supported the family during this difficult time. Mike cherished each and every conversation with everyone who visited him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to ROOTS – Restoration of Our Trees Sheboygan, a collaborative effort between the Sheboygan Rotary Club and the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) that addresses the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer to Sheboygan County’s forests. Donations may be sent to the Sheboygan County Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 1172, Sheboygan, WI 53082-1172.
A celebration of life in Mike’s honor will be held on his birthday, May 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sheboygan Elks Lodge #299, 1943 Erie Avenue, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Michael’s arrangements.
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