Michael Wilson

Michael Wilson

April 11, 1952 - June 12, 2026

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Obituary

Michael Wilson, 74, of Madison, WI, passed away at home on June 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, following a long battle with lung cancer. 

Michael was born in Oregon City, OR in 1952. He grew up in Chiloquin, Oregon where he has dear family and friends. He proudly served for 23 years in the U.S. Air Force. He worked in education for 10 years at the University of WI in Madison, and for 12 years at the VA Hospital in Madison.

Michael was adored by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sherry, and their children Breanna and Christian who moved back home for the last month of his life. His legacy should be one of love, kindness, integrity, and a servant heart. He loved the Lord, his family and friends, his Doberman Chesney, woodworking, Corvette trips, volleyball, long bike rides, and camping in state and national parks. He had a full and very happy life and was a blessing to so many.

Michael is survived by his wife Sherry; his children, Breanna (Anatoliy) Gryshchenko and Christian (Alessa) Wilson; his brother, Randy (Coquise) Wilson; and many other cherished family members and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denzel and LaJean Wilson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home – Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive in Madison. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Michael will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in VA. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family appreciates your prayers.

To view Michael’s obituary, or to leave a memory, please visit:  www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

 

Events

20
Visitation Today
Sat Jun 20, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Ryan Funeral Service Legacy Center • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Get Directions
20
Funeral Service Today
Sat Jun 20, 2026 @ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Service Legacy Center • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Get Directions

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Memories

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T
Tom
Friend •
Working with Mike in Education at the VA, I experienced his caring and support for both his colleagues and the veterans he met along the way. Ginny and I share our sympathies with Sherry and family. He will be missed.
MK
Mike Kahl
Friend •
We went to my wife’s family cabin on a small WI lake with Christian and my Little Brother’ Steven Wilems whom I was mentoring. The kids were quite young. About two days in Steven announced “My Mom says I have lice.” Oh God! Mike, you were in the service…what do we do? I don’t know, he said. I was an officer. ‘. We rushed the little fella into a barber shop. “See anything moving?” I asked…. Nope just a lot of dirt. Okay, whew! Shave the mop down yo a crew cut please.’ After inspection Christian asked “Where is the Owl house Dad? We looked at each other…”Oh, he means out-house!!
ES
Eric Stenglein
Coworker •
Rest easy Airman. We have the watch. Mike was one of the first people I met when I was a new hire at the VA. We both served in the USAF, but it was his passion for delivering veteran centered care that remains with me today.
B
BC
Coworker •
Our Deepest Sympathy From the Madison VAMC, Micheal was always helpful to others at the VA and did great work at his career serving other Veterans and VA Employees at the VA.
J
Joann
Coworker •
Mike had a rare gift for seeing and nurturing the strengths in others. His ability to recognize, encourage, and resonate with people’s potential helped so many align with their highest purpose. His presence was truly a blessing, and his impact will be deeply missed. Joann
N
Nancy
Friend •
My father so appreciated Mike taking him and friends to the Veterans’ Day ceremony at St John’s Academy during the years our son was there.

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