Michael S. "Mike" Piekarski, age 85, died on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at The Larson House in Columbus. He was born on December 26, 1930 in Junction City, WI to August and Agnes (Wayerski) Piekarski. He was a 1948 graduate of PJ Jacobs High School and a 1952 graduate of UW-Stevens Point where he earned a degree in Education. After earning his degree, Mike served in the U.S. Army, teaching troops stateside during the Korean War. He taught in Hancock, WI for a year before accepting his lifelong career in Columbus, retiring from the district in 1993 after 39 years as a science/math teacher and assistant principal.

Mike was married to Darlene Sobczak on November 20, 1954 in Mill Creek, WI. Together they enjoyed a lifetime of joys: fishing, horseshoes, bowling, dancing (especially polkas and waltzes), gardening, and sports of all kinds (Go, Brewers!) Mike was a handyman at home and for people around the community; plus he enjoyed woodworking--creating many decorative pieces for the St. Jerome's Sugar Plum Fair over the years. Mike and Darlene treasured their time at a cottage in Hancock, where family and friends joined them. They could always be seen "cruising" the back roads to embrace the beauty of nature on their way to visit family/friends…or to simply enjoy each other's company. Mike's love of family (especially his grandchildren), religion, friends, students, and life were obvious to all who knew him.

Mike enjoyed being an active 30-year member and past secretary of the Columbus Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in 1997. Mike and Darlene were honored to be chosen the Columbus 4th of July Parade Grand Marshalls, largely due to their volunteerism and service to the community.

Survivors include his daughter Diane (David) Hintzmann of Reeseville; two sons Mark (Maggie Klein) and Todd (Connie) of Columbus; nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Darrin) Miller, Erin (Ross) Clark, Kayla (Matt) Wachholz, Kayla Weiner, Josh Tietz, Matthew Piekarski, Andraya Piekarski, Lexi Piekarski, and Allison (Ty) Adams; 4 great-grandchildren (Caden,Deklin,Tyler,Zavier); other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law; wife in 2013; brother Ronald (and his wife Helen), brothers-in-law: Jerry (Lillian), George, and Clifford Sobczak; nephews Andy Piekarski and Ryan Erickson.

Visitation was from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2016 at ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH, Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at ST. JEROME CATHOLIC CHURCH, Columbus. Rev. Steve Kortendick officiated. Full military honors followed. Interment was in Hillside Cemetery, Columbus.

Memorials may be directed to The Wisconsin Lion's Eye Bank , Columbus Community Hospital Foundation, The Larson House, or the charity of one's choice.  Special thanks to The Larson House, Drs. Rolf and Sam Poser, and Generations Hospice Care for their loving care and support.
The family asks that you wear your favorite sporting attire or Christmas sweater, as they are warm.