OREGON – Michael James Way, age 68, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 12, 2017.

Mike was born on December 12, 1948 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Harry Way Jr. and Dolores (Kleinheinz) Way. He graduated from Madison West High School in 1967, followed by the University of Wisconsin – Stout in 1971 majoring in Industrial Technology Education.

After graduation Mike enjoyed a career as a teacher at Madison Lafollette High School and Oregon High School. He continued his career with the Oregon School District as the Technology Director and finished his career with CESA 5 in Portage.

He married the love of his life Judith M. Kennedy on September 6, 2003 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison and cherished their time together.

Mike loved living life, sought out adventure, a good challenge, hard work, and treasured his family and good friends. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute! He enjoyed the fruits of a two Bone Marrow Transplants in October of 2009 and November 2016 which provided many more wonderful years of life.

Mike is survived by his immediate family: his wife of 14 years, Judi; a daughter, Victoria Kipp (Wade Olson), Randall (Jennifer) Way; Richard (Heather) Way; six grandchildren, Griffin Kipp, Westin Kipp, Tyler Olson, Amelia Way, Charles Way, Tighearnan Way, his sister Patricia (Richard) Heller, many more extended family members and special friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; Harry and Dolores Way and his son-in-law Garett Kipp.

Mike and family would like to extend his sincere appreciation to Dr. Albert Musa and Dr. Edward Prendergast with the Dean Health Systems for having the courage to make a Bone Marrow Transplant possible. He also would like to thank the doctors and staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the UW Hospital, especially Dr. Walter L. Longo, his team and the Nursing Staff at the UW Hospital (6E) whom provided the support and excellent care. A special thanks to my first Bone Marrow Donor, my friend for life; Niels Biewer of Osnabruck, Germany. When there was no hope, these people gave us a miracle! Mike’s second donor stem cells came from newborn cord blood donated by altruistic parents. But most of all; for the love and care that his wife Judi gave him in achieving a second chance at life.

A Church Service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at St John’s Lutheran Church, 625 E. Netherwood Street, Oregon with Pastor Paul Markquart presiding. A visitation will be held at Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Road, Madison from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Monday, October 16, 2017 and on Tuesday at church one hour prior to the service. Mike will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials can be made in Mike’s name to the University of Wisconsin - Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53792.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home

& Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Michael Way

December 12, 1948 - October 12, 2017

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