Obituaries

DeForest-

Mike was born on March 29, 1961, to his biological parents, Ruth Dieter and Donald Lemke. He was later adopted as a young boy, by Robert and Dorothy Ethun of DeForest and became a part of their family.

Mike worked in food service in various restaurants in the area and in the maintenance field as well. In later years, he became his dad’s helper and driver when his dad developed vision issues.

Mike married his classmate and favorite girl, Barbara Geishirt on December 8, 1990. They lived in the Madison and Middleton areas. Barbara died December 12, 2012. After that Mike moved to Mt. Horeb in assisted living and eventually to Ingleside Manor, where he was named “June Resident of the Month” in 2023.

Mike loved football and of course was an avid Packer and Badger fan and had much memorabilia from both teams. He also enjoyed his time at Ingleside and appreciated the people and the staff for their friendliness and caring.

Michael died on February 2, 2024, at the age of 62, after long struggles with diabetes. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Ethun, his biological parents and brother, Gordon Lemke, his mother-in-law, Susan Geishirt, and his wife, Barbara Ethun.

He leaves his siblings: Rolf Ethun, Paul Ethun, Claudia Ethun, Scott Ethun and Mina Lemke Esser. He also leaves in-laws: Steve Geishirt, Karen Eisner, Dave Geishirt, Pat Ethun and Sue Ethun, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A visitation and funeral will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, WI on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Visitation is from 2:00 – 3:30 pm and a funeral service beginning at 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike’s memory to Ingleside Manor, Mt. Horeb, WI.

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