Michael Raymond Cesarz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Mequon, Wisconsin on March 1, 2026, at the age of 82.
Born on February 25, 1944, the youngest of ten children, Mike came of age on Milwaukee's South Side, then one of the most vibrant Polish-American communities in the country — a close-knit world of parish life, hard work, and deep Catholic faith that left a lasting mark on the man he would become. He attended St. Hyacinth Grade School, itself a cornerstone of that Polish Catholic community, and Don Bosco High School, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University in 1967. He went on to build a distinguished career that spanned four decades — spending the first 26 years in engineering and management roles at Kearney & Trecker, then reinventing himself in sales as a manufacturer representative at KMA Sales beginning in 1990, from which he retired in 2009.
Mike was a man of deep Catholic faith, a devoted parishioner at Lumen Christi Catholic Church in Mequon for 55 years, with a particular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John Paul II. His faith was not merely practiced on Sundays — it was the foundation upon which he built his life. He gave generously of his time as a volunteer with the Missionary Fraternity of Mary, an organization whose mission he championed with great dedication. He was also a proud Knight in the Order of Malta, serving with the quiet conviction that defined everything he did.
In retirement, Mike discovered a new calling in the vineyard. What began as a hobby in amateur winemaking blossomed into a true passion — he cultivated his own grapes on his Mequon property, which he lovingly christened Cesarz Family Winery. He was tireless in his pursuit of craft, always learning new techniques and taking great pride in the quality of his wine and the artistry of his labels. The winery became a fitting symbol of who Mike was: patient, purposeful, and deeply proud of what he created with his own hands.
Above all else, Mike was a family man. He shared 57 years of marriage with his beloved wife Mary (née Quinn), a partnership that was the anchor of his life and the joy of all who witnessed it. He was a fully present and deeply engaged father to his sons, and a doting grandfather whose face lit up in the company of his grandchildren. To know Mike was to witness what it looks like to put family first — not as a sacrifice, but as a privilege. He leaves behind an indelible impression of what it means to be a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (nee Quinn) Cesarz; his sons Matthew (Christine), Joseph (Amy), and John (Molly); and his twelve grandchildren Daniel, John, Elizabeth, Madeline, Helena, Lillian, Anna, Natalie, Michael, Quinn, Timothy, and Charles.
As he approached the end of his life, Mike put his trust in the mercy of God and reflected often on the richness of his life and the many gifts he had been granted. We pray he now enjoys eternity in the presence of God, where death, grief, crying and pain will be no more. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 PM —2:00 PM prior to the Mass. A reception will immediately follow at Shully's Cuisine and Events, 146 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville, WI 53092.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mike's memory to two organizations he held dear: Missionary Fraternity of Mary Donations may be made online at:
https://missionaryfraternityofmary.org/mfm-donation-page-request-mass-intentions/
Order of Malta —Milwaukee Region Donations may be mailed to: Anne Marie Finley, DM 8320 N. Lake Dr., Fox Point, WI 53217-2815
