Obituaries

Michael John Courchane passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the age of 73. Mike was born on April 7, 1951, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of seven children born to John and Nelda (Raimer) Courchane.

Mike was a long-time resident of the east side of Madison. He was a member of the St. Dennis Boy Scout Troop, where he earned his Eagle Scout Badge. Mike graduated from Queen of Apostles High School in 1969 and attended UW Stevens Point. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve and served for eight years. At the same time, Mike worked at WI Bell (later ATT). He retired from there in 2001.

Mike was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He spent many years golfing, fishing and hunting. Traveling was something that brought joy and pleasure into Mike’s life. He enjoyed the relaxation of cruising and the adventure of land travel. One destination Mike particularly enjoyed was Pickerel Lake in northern Wisconsin. Walking in the woods, listening to classic rock and sipping a good bourbon were some of his favorite things to do. Later in life, Mike enjoyed Friday fish fries and Thursday breakfasts with his neighborhood friends.

Mike’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. He especially treasured his granddaughter, Catalina, and loved being with her. Mike would often share stories of their trips to Disney World and their time together.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nelda Courchane and his son, Gregory.

He is survived by his son Steven John (Sierra) his granddaughter, Catalina and siblings, Marsha Courchane (Peter Zorn), Mary Hurley (Bob), Mark Courchane (Grace), Maureen Peters (Jeff), Marjorie Riniker (Ron) and Matthew Courchane (Sandy Scalzitti), as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison. A Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30AM until time of Mass. A committal service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery immediately after Mass.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257