Michael W. “Mike” DeLaet age 72, of Athelstane, passed away peacefully after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer on March 2, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital. He was born in Boise, Idaho on November 1, 1953; son of the late Warren and Catherine (Edlebeck) DeLaet. Mike graduated from Wausaukee High School in 1972. He went on to attend UW–Marinette and earned his degree from St. Norbert College in 1976. On August 10, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Mathis, at Amberg United Presbyterian Church. Mike began his career working at his father-in-law’s cedar fencing company, M&M Rustic Fence. He later joined his father in the family business, Warren DeLaet Forest Products, which eventually grew into DeLaet Enterprises and DeLaet Trucking, where he, along with his three brothers and brother-in-law, took ownership and operated the companies together.
In his free time, he loved gardening, hunting, fishing, making firewood and was known to be extremely accurate witching wells. Above all, he cherished watching his grandchildren compete in sports; they were his pride and joy. Mike always carried a positive attitude and will be dearly missed.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol; son & best friend, Troy (Wendy) DeLaet; three grandchildren: Dylan, Kaleb, and Lauren; Honorary son, Garett Roush; Honorary daughter, Melissa Schwaller; siblings: Daniel (Roxi), Sandra Landenberger, Ken (Vonnie), Mary (Al) Baxter, and Margie (Terry) Popp; sisters-in-law: Judy and Dawn DeLaet; several nieces and nephews; and grand dog, Oakley. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julia; grandson, Matthew; brothers: Joe and Paul; in-laws: Donald and Elsie Mathis; and brother-in-law, Wally Landenberger.
Visitation was held on Sunday March 8, 2026, at Amberg United Presbyterian Church from 12pm until the time of his Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Don Landwehr officiated. Burial will be in Amberg Cemetery this spring. Roubal Funeral Home in Wausaukee is assisting Mike’s family with arrangements.
