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Michael “Mick” Denk

February 9, 1950 - January 14, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Friday 2/6, 2:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Friday 2/6, 5:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission or United Performing Arts Fund.

Michael “Mick” Denk of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75. Mick was a devoted husband to his late wife Cynthia “Cindy” Denk (née Jeske) with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Together, Mick and Cindy raised two sons, Richie and Alex.

Born on February 9, 1950 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to parents Abdon “Don” and Margaret “Peggy” Denk, Mick was the second oldest of nine children. Raised in Butler, Wisconsin, Mick attended Marquette University High School and met his match in Cindy during his teenage years. In 1973, Mick and Cindy married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin surrounded by family and friends.

Mick attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he studied psychology and music, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and earned a Master’s degree. Mick spent almost 30 years as a choir teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools. In 2007, Mick retired from teaching at Fritsche Middle School and received a Civic Music Award for Excellence in Choral Instruction.

After retirement, Mick continued to play and write music regularly, and found a passion for acting and composing movie scores. Mick appeared in and wrote music for various short films; won Best Actor at the 15th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival; and even appeared as an extra in Public Enemy (2009).

A loving father, Mick spent his summers off from teaching with sons Richie and Alex, rescuing and raising animals of all kinds: dogs, birds, fish, even a chinchilla. He adored his granddaughters, Jordyn and Jada, frequently caring for them after school. Mick was an avid gardener, skilled music composer, admirer of the arts, a wonderful baker, and cherished his family’s annual summer vacation up north.

Mick was a true servant—honored to care for his wife, Cindy, during her final years, and proud to lend a hand to family and friends. Mick will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Mick is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cindy Denk; parents Don and Peggy Denk; and sister Brenda Denk.

Mick is survived by sons Richie (Nicole) and Alex (Katie); and siblings Randy Denk, Thomas Denk, Pamela Crum, Donna Born, Maria Rollinson, Gary Denk, and James Denk. He is also survived by two beloved granddaughters Jordyn and Jada, and dog Bucky.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission or United Performing Arts Fund.

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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Friday 2/6, 2:30 pm - 4:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Friday 2/6, 5:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission or United Performing Arts Fund.

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Michael “Mick” Denk of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75. Mick was a devoted husband to his late wife Cynthia “Cindy” Denk (née Jeske) with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Together, Mick and Cindy raised two sons, Richie and Alex. Born on February 9, 1950 in Marshfield, Wisconsin toContinue Reading

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Tree 5 trees were planted in memory of Michael Denk
Travis and Leonard Russo left a message on February 1, 2026:
Many great memories on burleigh being neighbors for over 20 years watching mick out garden the whole town.. Much love to Alex, Richie and family
Leah Joy Gayle left a message on February 4, 2026:
Sent with love and remembrance, and music that Denk left behind so he lives on forever.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Michael Denk . Plant a Tree
Anonymous left a message on February 4, 2026:
My deepest condolences. Im holding you in my heart and sending you all of my love.
Serenity Wreath was purchased for the family of Michael Denk by Anonymous. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Michael Denk
Elena S left a message on February 3, 2026:
He was a truly kind and caring person, always smiling and always ready to support others. He helped me with my garden and was constantly attentive to whether a neighbor needed help. His kindness and presence meant so much to our neighborhood, and he will be truly missed.
Leonard & Mary Denk Family left a message on February 3, 2026:
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.In our thoughts and prayers
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Michael Denk by Leonard & Mary Denk Family. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jarred left a message on January 29, 2026:
This is shocking and tragic news to hear. Mick was our neighbor for the last 10 years. His yard put mine to shame!! Mick was an incredible person with a great smile and warm personality. He would lend a hand to any of his neighbors and regularly treated us with fresh items from his garden. He waved and spoke to my children (and dogs) as if they were his own. We will miss his smirk, his shirtless gardening, his creativity, his helping hand, and his overall kindness. Our condolences to his family. Mick will not be forgotten and will me missed by so many people that have had the pleasure of meeting him over the years. Sincerely The Enerson Family
Marlene Uhen Hickman left a message on January 29, 2026:
So Sorry to hear of the passing of Michael (Mick) Denk. Don and Peggy Denk raised 9 children- of which Mick was the second oldest. My siblings and I went to St Agnes grade school in Butler, WI with the Denk siblings. Prayers for all of the Denk families. May Mick now “”Rest in Peace” in God’s Holy Kingdom With our Sincerest Condolences : Marlene Uhen Hickman and the Vic and Jan Uhen families.
Justin left a message on January 28, 2026:
I’ll always remember Mick for the campfires together back on Cullen Dr., stargazing, the music that filled his home (both his piano playing and the music that was played at the many parties), all the sleepovers graciously hosted, his amazing yard, all the time spent in the pool, his warm personality, scrambled eggs in the morning, Velveeta Mac and Cheese for lunch, running over to play with Richie and almost tripping over him tanning on the front porch (many times)….. He was a big part of my world growing up and will be dearly missed. I’m thinking of you Richie and Alex and only hope that the love we all had for him helps you feel better at this difficult time.
Patrick Williamson left a message on January 28, 2026:
Mr. Denk taught my fellow students and I how to sing and I will always be grateful for that. Some of the warm ups that he taught us I still use today. He was a great and kind man and a great teacher may God comfort you in this time.
Sandra Koller (Stewart) left a message on January 28, 2026:
What an amazing life this man lived! He was an amazing music teacher. He was my music teacher in kindergarten through 6th grade. I hope his family knows how many lives he’s left an impact on. Occasionally I reminisce about elementary school now that I’m a teacher and he is a positive influence in that!
Ken D Megal left a message on January 28, 2026:
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Denk's passing. As my music teacher at Fernwood Elementary in the 70s, he left a lasting impression on me. He was so much more than just an instructor; his passion was infectious. I’m particularly grateful for the support he gave our 7th-grade rock band during the talent show; he truly went above and beyond for his students. Sending my heart-felt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Denk.
Kim left a message on January 28, 2026:
My deepest condolences to his children. Mr Denk was my music teacher at Fernwood in the 80’s and I still remember him and the songs we would learn for our concerts. He was a wonderful teacher!
Kourtney left a message on January 28, 2026:
I'm sad to hear of Mr. Denk's passing. He was a huge part of my early education, having been my music teacher at Fernwood Elementary, for 9 years. Mr. Denk was firm, but fair and a wonderful teacher! He was known for handing out writing assignments when you weren't on task in his class, which means I spent a lot of time writing over and over, "I will not talk in music class." The annual Christmas plays we put on at Fernwood were all out productions because of him and they are some of my best memories at Fernwood.
Kathy Beringer left a message on January 28, 2026:
I'm so sorry to hear Mick has passed away. I did some acting with him. What a class guy. It was easy to get to know him and work with him. Just a good, good person. He will be missed.
Patrik F Beck left a message on January 28, 2026:
Mic was the best guy I ever knew.
Ross Bigley left a message on January 28, 2026:
Such a good and decent man, such a loss. I've worked with Michael on a few films, always a joy to be around.
Josh Hansen left a message on January 28, 2026:
I had the pleasure of working on a couple projects with Michael and he was always great to work with. My deepest condolences to his friends and loved ones. He will truly be missed.
Denise left a message on January 28, 2026:
In memory of Michael “Mick” Denk, Denise lit a candle
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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