Michael Andreas

On September 19th, 2025, Michael J. Andreas took his last breath in this world and went to find his favorite fishing hole or slot machine in the heavens. If you knew Mike, or even met him once, you would call him a friend. Mike was one of the friendliest people you would ever meet.  

Michael was born on February 4th, 1957, the ninth child born to John and Delores Andreas.  He came into this world a whopping 13 lbs., 10 oz.  He grew up on a farm on Schaller Road between Paoli and Verona. Mike and his siblings attended Schaller School, a one room schoolhouse near their home and finished at Verona High School, where he made lifelong friends.   

After high school, Mike joined the Marine Corps and shortly after married his high school sweetheart, Juanita “Sue” Coward on July 31, 1976.  Together, they had three sons Joshua, Jeremy, and Justin.  They shared a little less than 38 years together before Sue left this physical world.  Mike and Sue loved their boys and grandchildren, and the memories they made as a family.  They enjoyed playing the slot machines when going out after their boys had grown up, traveling, hiking, and anything else that would bring laughter into their lives.   

After his wife’s passing, Mike was given a second chance at love.  Mike was able to reconnect with his childhood friend, Renee Jones Hagen. He was able to find companionship, love, and a partnership that kept him busy. They enjoyed spending time together at Renee's with her family, traveling, and playing an occasional slot machine.  

Mike enjoyed watching Packer games, where you would often hear him yelling at the TV. This was something Justin and him shared a love for up until the very end.  He enjoyed fishing with Josh and Jeremy and any of the grandkids that wanted to join.  Even Justin would sometimes join to see a boat flip. The boys will greatly miss their gameday partner and fishing buddy.  Mike was always known to be the dad that NEVER missed one of his boys' games, something his boys will never forget.   

Mike loved to cook and got his start cooking for his parents at the Verona Truck Stop.  He cooked at many local restaurants over the years, sometimes two and three jobs at a time to support his growing family.  Mike was employed by Wisconsin Porcelain in Sun Prairie for 16 years and then the last 16 years at Anderson Custom Processing in Belleville before retiring. He suffered a serious injury in the years before his retirement, but he faced this and his cancer diagnosis with grace and humor. When it became certain that his treatment was no longer working and his time here might be short, he had a choice to keep fighting or chose to end the fight on his terms and with the dignity he deserved. He chose to end his fight on his terms.  With that, Mike wanted a Living Funeral so he could say goodbye. He shared the day with so many that had touched his life.  It was a wonderful day, and he was in great spirits while reminiscing with all the people he loved the most.  Mike treasured his three sons and their families, his siblings and their families, and his partner Renee.  

Mike is survived by his sons Joshua, Jeremy, and Justin, his daughters-in-law Amy and Jocelyn, his ten grandchildren Brianna (Ian Ezell), Dominik, John, Jadyn, Alex, Mariah, Mathew, Aaron, Graycee and Finnley.  He is also survived by his first great-granddaughter, Adalynn Ezell.  He is further survived by his partner Renee, her children, Evan (Andrea), Steve, Valerie (Lance) Gabrielson, grandchildren Bryce, Kaylie, Jack, Elsie, Keegan and Owen. In addition, Mike is survived by his siblings Ed (Mary), Kathy (Vaughn) Pakkala, Eileen Norton, Tony (Jan), Christine (Jerry) Nicholson, Corrine (Mark) Vinney, Irene (Steve] Ruegsegger, Pat (Julie), Tom (Carey), Maureen (Wayne) Welzien, Jackie (Jeff) Hale, Genevieve (Lee) Christensen, and 46 nieces and nephews. Stepmother Frieda Haesler, stepbrothers Todd and Floyd May. In-laws: Carole (John), Joe (Diane), Mick (Sue).  

Mike was preceded in death by his loving wife Juanita “Sue” Andreas, his parents, John and Delores Andreas, his brother John, in-laws: Howard and Lucille Jamieson, Bob Coward, Lester Hellenbrand, Danny Vincent, Richard Norton, his niece, Elaine Ruegsegger and his beloved dog Scorpio.  Special thanks to his sisters Maureen and Irene, daughter-in-law Amy, and partner Renee for the care and attentiveness they provided Mike in his final days. 

A Memorial Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home - Verona Chapel, 220 Enterprise Drive. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mike was very loved and will be missed by many.