Michael Endres

I think I might have been 16. I remember the first time I lit a square (cigarette) in the Pool Barn. I kept staring at Mike like he was gonna come over and scold me and kick me out. He never even looked my way. And I may or may not have bought a pack or two from behind the counter. I don't believe the age we were supposed to be to buy tobacco was important as our character was. Because of Mike, the Pool Barn wasn't just a hangout spot for Sun Prairie youth and East Wash cruisers. It was a culture. It was a safe place. It was an escape. Every Friday and Saturday night in the summer it's where you could find me. If I was by myself and asked him to play he would. I don't remember what we talked about during those games of pool but I remember being on cloud nine because I was playing the owner of The Pool Barn. I was sad when it closed. I was really sad when it was demolished. It was almost like a part of me was torn down. I know I'm not alone in that feeling. I just hope he knew that. Rest In Peace, Mike 🎱🎯

The Pool Barn and Mike will always hold a very special place in my heart. As long as you respected him and his place he was willing to help you in anyway he could. I learned a lot of valuable skills from him. Life skills and how to shoot pool even though i never was very good anyway. He never gave up trying to help me get better. Rest in peace my friend.

Of course I know Mike from pool. We spent alot of time at the pool barn when I was in high school. He always gave me tips when I was shooting. Fast forward a few years, and we were on the same pool league. He always had a kind smile, and seemed to remember everyone he met. Sad to hear of his passing, however feel blessed to have known him.

Mike was a very kind soul, who was also pretty funny.... I was one of those young kids in the 90s who spent a lot of time shooting pool at the barn. He always had a kind word, and would be happy to show you he knew how to play as well, many a time running the table on me as I was learning the game.