William "Bill" Michiels

William “Bill” Michiels, 89 of Denmark, died peacefully Monday, June 16, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born in Sugarbush, WI on May 6, 1936, to the late Frank and Clara (Jauquet) Michiels. Bill graduated from Luxemburg High School with the Class of 1954 and on July 12, 1958, he married Arlene Mercier, at St Joseph Church, Champion. She preceded him in death on December 5, 2020.

In 1962 Arlene and Bill purchased the family farm where they truly appreciated raising their family and all the work and fun related to life on the farm. In addition to farming Bill was a mason for various companies.

Bill loved to tell stories, point out his many masonry projects, and enjoyed sharing life with new friends, old friends, and relatives. Visits with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were Bill’s favorite. Always a smile and a warm welcoming “Well hello” greeting. He so enjoyed following the Denmark Vikings sporting events, especially those involving his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his six children, Lonnie (Joe) Loritz, John (Lynn) Michiels, Mary (Dan) Valenta, Barb (Tony) Loritz, Allen Michiels, Tami (Todd) O’Brien all of Denmark; eleven grandchildren, Tyler (Breanna) Loritz, Brandon Loritz, Josh (Danielle) Michiels, Shane (Brooke) Michiels, Alex Michiels (Special friend Brittany), Karli (Cuyler) Franzke, Elizabeth Valenta (Special friend Rob), Brianne (Brandin) Arndt, Cami (Jimmy) Knackstedt, Abby O’Brien (Special friend Jacob), Kate O’Brien (Special friend Ethan); ten great-grandchildren, Julian, William “Willy Bill”, McKenna, Amelia, Iver, Maren, Vaida, Lainey, Noah and Aiden; his special extended family friends, Tim, Lucy (Donny), Sophie and Sam Stedl.

He is further survived by one sister-in-law Jeanette (Stan) Dequaine; two sisters-in-law, Betty Michiels and Carol Michiels; many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents Frank and Clara Michiels, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Rudolph and Doris Mercier, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters- in-law, Marie (Dave) Ohrmundt, Flossie (Gene) Deheck, Earl (Vi) Michiels, Leona (Leonard) Arendt, Leo Michiels, Bob (Mary) Michiels, Arnie (Dot) Michiels, Norman (Joyce) Michiels, Geraldine “Red” (Clarence) Lamal, Jerry Michiels, Walter “Mike” Michiels, Donna Mae Michiels, Donald Michiels and one infant (Michiels) brother. Bill was also preceded in death by Arlene’s brothers and sister-in-law Harlin (Betty) Mercier and Galen Mercier.

Friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, Denmark between 4:00 and 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 22, 2025, with a prayer service to conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at All Saints Church, Denmark. Funeral at 11:00 am at church with Father Dave Pleier officiating. Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery, Denmark.

The family wishes to extend a huge thank you to Lori Sausen for providing Dad with exceptional care over the past four years. Also, a special thanks to Margaret and Tonya and the Unity Team. To the entire Wayside Parkview Estates Staff, thanks for making Dad’s transition from 62 years on the farm to his new home “Room 14” so welcoming.

Dad, God and Mom have you in their arms, we have you in our hearts.