Michael A. Endres

Michael A. Endres passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the age of 73. Beloved husband of Deborah (nee Stovall) for 31 years. Loving father of Abbigail (Michael Rihm) Endres and Amy (John Guerin) Endres, Scott Furman, Amy (Matt) Anderson, and Jeffrey (Kyla) Furman. Proud grandfather of Michael Isaac Rihm, Brooks, Blake, and Beckett Anderson. Also loved by sister Karen (Lynn) Miller and family, and numerous other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Endres and Beatrice Endres, and his sweet dog, Schatzie, who passed just weeks before Mike.

Michael was born in Madison, WI on January 29, 1950 and was raised in Mineral Point, WI, graduating as Valedictorian of the Mineral Point High School Class of 1968. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and worked toward completing his Master’s in Speech Pathology at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, spending much of his career as a Speech Therapist for the Watertown Unified School District. An avid sports enthusiast, Mike remained active in athletics while with Watertown schools, serving as Assistant Coach for the football team, refereeing basketball games through the winter sports season, and serving as Head Coach for the Watertown High School baseball team for many years. Ever dedicated to learning and challenging himself, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and went on to work as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for Watertown Senior High, and Dean of Students and Athletic Director for Hamilton High School.

Always skilled at finance, Mike took a leap of faith in 1998 and embarked on a new career path, becoming a certified Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for 22 years. Mike took great pride in assisting people to live well with their resources and plan for their futures, building his successful business by forging both respected working partnerships and deep friendships. This included actively participating in the Oak Creek, WI Chamber of Commerce for many years. He retired from what he described as a “remarkable journey” in January of 2020.

When he wasn’t working, Mike loved to travel with Debbie, visiting dozens of countries on nearly every continent, striking up friendly conversations with people almost anywhere—on planes, beaches, and in piazzas—especially reveling in these spontaneous connections, returning home with new insights and fun facts to share about the world.

Mike’s abiding Christian faith guided his lifelong dedication to serving others, family and his community. He was active in his church community, living his faith through his volunteer work as a Stephen minister, Kindle Ministry member, usher, and in his Bible study groups. He shared his deep respect and financial support for Veterans and the American Military Service, and for many other worthy charities that touched him.

In the past 11 years, Mike thrived as Opa to “his boys,” expressing great joy in his time with his four grandsons, creating memories and special traditions that they will always cherish. Michael was very loyal and devoted to his family and friends. He relished any opportunity to organize and putter, enjoyed hosting at home with Debbie, took great pride in caring for his yard, enjoyed listening to country and Christian music, and was a connoisseur of frozen custard. He loved a good joke and with a twinkle in his eye, was always eager to share one.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Brookfield Lutheran Church, 18500 Burleigh Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 26th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM with Memorial Service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to Brookfield Lutheran Church, the Wounded Warriors Project, Kindle Organization, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.