Michael Dee Endsley, 61, of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 13, 2023.
Mike was born to Laverne and Beverly (Wenzlick) Endsley on March 4, 1962 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School in 1980 and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW-Platteville in 1984. Mike excelled as a football player in high school, and continued to play collegiately at UW-Platteville.
Mike began a career in business in Madison, Wisconsin before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana with his former wife, Michelle (Engeldinger) Endsley. They additionally lived in Studio City, California and Detroit, Michigan before moving back to Sheboygan Falls to start a family. Mike held different sales jobs, including Regional Sales Manager for Gardner Denver, for over 25 years before proudly being elected as a Wisconsin State Representative in November 2010, representing the 26th Assembly District in Sheboygan County.
Mike was passionate about Wisconsin sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, as Sunday afternoons were always a highlight of his week. He enjoyed classic rock music, learning about U.S. history, traveling, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his family. Some of his favorite memories included hunting and spending time with his family at their cabin in Pembine, Wisconsin. Mike was a lifelong learner who always prioritized education and learning for his children, and was also a great teacher of emotional and life skills.
Mike was also passionate about politics and serving his community. After many years in the private sector and losing his job due to the recession in 2008, he made the decision to pursue his dream of running for public office. His tremendous work ethic and determination proved successful when he was elected as State Representative for the 26th Assembly District on November 2, 2010. Mike was re-elected and served a total of two terms. His campaign was centered around job creation, economic development, increasing communication and transparency, and improving the standard of living for his constituents. During his years in the Assembly, he served as the Chairperson for the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, and Vice-Chairperson for both the Jobs, Economy, and Small Business Committee as well as the Small Business Development Committee. He authored, co-authored, and co-sponsored various bills relating to transportation, infrastructure, therapeutic medicine, mental health, the department of corrections, law enforcement, tax reform, and many more. It was abundantly clear to those who knew Mike that he had a big heart and was committed to civic duty and serving others.
Mike was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in 2014 which later developed into early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Despite his eagerness to continue his legislative work in Madison, Mike’s political career was unfortunately cut short due to his diagnosis. However, Mike’s tenacious personality and bright spirit persevered over the next nine years while battling this terrible disease. He dedicated the time he had left to learning more about Alzheimer’s disease and what could be done to help all those impacted by memory loss. Mike never once complained or felt sorry for himself, but instead focused his energy on advocacy and educating others about Alzheimer’s. In 2015, Mike volunteered with the Sheboygan County Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee. He shared his experiences and efforts in multiple interviews, newspaper articles, public forums, and continually lobbied for funding to support programs for Alzheimer’s patients, as well as caregivers. Mike was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls and spent many hours volunteering at The Gathering Place, a day program for adults with memory loss located at the church. He built friendships with participants, facilitated activities, and took great pride in helping serve this population, even while facing his own challenges with the disease. Mike will be remembered for his lovable and optimistic personality, silly sense of humor, his shining blue eyes, and his heartwarming smile and laugh.
Mike is survived by his two children, Andrew (McKenzie) Endsley of Kenosha and Katie Endsley of St. Francis; mother, Beverly Endsley of Sheboygan; former wife and friend, Michelle (Engeldinger) Endsley of Sheboygan Falls; brothers, Wally (Charlet) Endsley and Jim (Jeane) Endsley; and sister, Debra Endsley Fiebig. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Laverne.
A memorial service to celebrate his life on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 730 County Highway PPP in Sheboygan Falls. Relatives and friends may greet the family at church from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM, with the service starting at 2:00 PM. A luncheon featuring Mike’s favorite pizza and snacks will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations in Mike’s honor: The Alzheimer’s Association, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, or The Gathering Place.
Mike’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for the dedicated and compassionate care shown to Mike and his family during his final journey. The family also would like to thank the staff at Countryside Manor for their care and support over the last several years.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls is serving the family. For more information and online condolences, please visit www.wenigfh.com
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