Michael John Staral of Glendale, WI passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 31, 2019. He is finally pain free and at rest in Heaven. He fought a courageous battle for the past five years having inexplicably been diagnosed with an advanced, aggressive form of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in 2014. He took this diagnosis so graciously and lived the past 5 years never taking any moment for granted. His strength, hardworking nature and kind soul are the legacy he’s passed on to so many. He lost so much along the way because of what all this cancer and the drugs he had to take did to him, but he never got angry. Instead he was bound and determined to find something new to focus on. He completed many projects and created so many special memories for his family.
He is survived by so many. The love of his life for over 33 blessed years, Kristine, his two adoring children and their partners in life Bryan (Sarah Westling) and Nicole (Eric Robinson), two beautiful grandchildren Isabella and Luciano, his devoted parents Al and Martha, his caring sister’s and brothers-in-law Lynn & Mark Leonard, Diane Zens, Peggy Staral, Jenny & Tom Fromm, Karen & Russ Juneau, so many nieces and nephews and far reaching family and friends.
Mike worked for a few years into his diagnosis until the side effects from all his treatments got to be too much. He never quit working on projects at home though, up until the very end. He retired from Kapco Metal Stamping in Grafton in 2017 after 10 loyal years. He was a dedicated, kind employee with an amazing work ethic. Before Kapco Mike worked at Banner Welding in Germantown for 25 years. Because of his kindness, he developed amazing, enduring friendships throughout his career. Many came to see him in his final days and that meant the world to him and his wife, who watched over him every minute.
Mike was lovingly cared for at the Aurora Cancer Center in Grafton under the direction of Dr. Cory Shamah and his nurse Ann and many other caring staff.
Mike’s final days were spent at Lawlis Hospice in Mequon. There he was cared for by so many. Each nurse and CNA, social worker and volunteers were so wonderful in their care. A few stood out as exceptional in their care to his wife, Kristine. The nurses are Laura, Mirita, Linda, Mary and Crystal. CNAs are Mary, Sarah and Lauren. The love and empathy they poured into Mike and his wife will forever be treasured.
Mike’s faith grew even stronger throughout his cancer journey. He faithfully attended mass at St. Eugene’s in Fox Point as much as he could and when he could not be there in person his wife attended and brought back his eucharist. During these difficult days he would watch the mass on TV. A very special, newly ordained priest, Fr. Jordan came to Mike and Kristine’s side several times while he was in hospice sometimes to administer a sacred prayer other times just to sit and listen to the family share fond memories of this amazing man.
Visitation Friday August 16 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the funeral home. Additional visitation Saturday August 17 from 9:30AM until 10:30AM at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 7600 N. Pt. Washington Rd., Fox Point, WI. Family eulogy service to begin at 10:30AM followed by Memorial Mass at 11:00AM at St Eugene Catholic Church.
If you are considering a donation in memory of Michael, the family would ask donations to go to Aurora Grafton Cancer Care. Gifts may be sent to Aurora Health Care Foundation at 975 North Port Washington Road, Grafton, WI 53024 or online at give.aurora.org/grafton
If considering a floral tribute for Michael, please contact a Floral Affair in Thiensville at 262-242-2563.