Michael P. "Mike" Riege, age 72, died on Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison. Mike was born on February 11, 1953 to Merlin "Pat" and Eileen (Peck) Riege in Hartford, WI.

Mike spent his elementary years at St. Jerome School and was a 1971 graduate of Columbus High School. He was united in marriage on May 22, 1976 to Julianne Clark at St. Jerome Church. Together, they raised three wonderful children on his family homestead where he stayed for 65 years, before moving to Beaver Dam. Mike was a very devoted son, father, friend, and employee. Growing up on the farm, he learned about hard work and dedication. In 1985, he took those values with him to Schumann Printers in Fall River. There he spent 40 years becoming the jack of all trades and a mentor to many until his retirement in September 2025.

Mike enjoyed watching sporting events such as the Green Bay Packers, Badger football, and mostly all forms of auto racing. His favorite track was Road America, where he would have the best seat on the hill overlooking turn 5. He relished playing cards with friends, a bond that may have changed over the years but never wavered. On sunny days you could find him riding around the countryside on a Goldwing, his favorite motorcycle. Mike was a dedicated dad who wholly enjoyed seeing and spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. He was a man of very few words, but if he gave any type of advice, you took it. Some of his best advice was, "do it right the first time then you won't have to do it again" or "just do it my way, it works".

Mike is survived by his three children Christina Riege of Beaver Dam, Michelle (Phillip) Denruiter of Reeseville, Matthew (Amy) Riege of Beaver Dam; 11 grandchildren Michaela, Colby (Jessica), Dana, Noah, Trinity, Gabriel, Sunnessa, Jesse, Jazzmynn, Maybel, Clint; three sisters Barbara (Jeffery) Garczynski of Columbus, Dawn (Larry) Wild of Aiken, SC, Jennifer Riege of Columbus; other relatives and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; wife Julie in 2021; grandson Alexzander Martin in 2025; sister Beth Riege.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 with visitation beginning afterward from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Jensen Funeral & Cremation LLC, Columbus. Pastor Karl Greeb will officiate.

A special thanks to the nursing staff at St. Mary's hospital for such compassionate care.

Mike's loyalty, love, and friendship will always be part of his great legacy.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Mike's family at jensenfuneralandcremaiton.com