Obituary for Michael E. "Mike" Lyga

Michael Eugene Lyga Sr., age 86 of West Salem, WI passed away peacefully at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI on Saturday, December 24, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Mike was born on December 15, 1936, in La Crosse, WI to Katheryne and Paul Lyga. Mike graduated from Aquinas High School in 1955 and from UW-L in 1959 with a degree in education.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Margaret “Peg” (AKA “The Warlord”) Grimslid on June 19, 1959. Mike started his educational career in the fall of 1959 teaching 6th grade in West Salem. Mike and Peg raised two sons together- Mike Jr and Andy. He spent his life being the best dad a kid could ever want! After 40 years of teaching in West Salem, Mike retired at the age of 62. He loved kids and kids loved him. He truly enjoyed being a teacher.

Mike was a river rat and avid outdoorsman. His family meant everything to him. He absolutely loved his seven grandchildren! He was known for his great sense of humor, his big smile, and his positive attitude. His favorite spot in the world was sitting on the deck up at the river with a beverage in his hand visiting with anybody and everybody. The memories are priceless. He was quite the character, and we’re going to miss him!

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Joseph; and three sisters - Kate, Pat, and Ellen.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Peg; sons Mike Jr (Jac) and Andy (Heidi); brother Paul; seven grandchildren - Cydney, Maria (Andy/Heidi), Carlyle, Hayden, Clayton, Rylee, and Camdyn (Mike/Jac); numerous nieces and nephews; and the daughter he never had, Mary Czajka.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be January 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in West Salem. A private burial will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held January 2, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Jostad Chapel, West Salem. Additional visitation will be held at the church prior to services starting at 10:00 a.m. The family invites everyone to Fox Hollow Banquet Hall in Barre Mills, WI following the service until 6:00 p.m. to celebrate Mike’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a memorial of your choice for the benefit of children.