(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Michael (Mike) Joseph Zuffa passed away Friday, May 16, 2025 in Milwaukee, WI. He was 78.
The youngest son of M.J. (Slim) and Anne (Hlavacek) Zuffa, Mike was born on November 14, 1946 in Kenosha, where he chose to set down roots. He graduated from St. Joseph High School and worked at the Brat Stop before serving in the USMC from 1966-1970, where he became affectionately known as Zoof. A proud Marine, Mike preferred a “Semper Fi” over a “thank you” for his service.
On November 16, 1968, upon returning from Vietnam, he married Kathleen (Kathy) Fischbach. Their son, Michael, was born in 1974 and they traveled with as a family to many places in the U.S. Mike worked for Johnson Controls for 42 years before returning to the Brat Stop where it all began, rarely missing a shift even for vacation.
Mike’s favorite vacation destination was Aruba. A couple of days on a Caribbean cruise or drinking Coronas with friends on his favorite island brought a ready smile to his tanned face and much laughter. He was always willing to buy another round, whether vacationing or at home.
His friends and family will miss his generosity of spirit, his willingness to care for others, and his capacity for living life fully. Mike took care of other people. He made sure everyone’s tips were fair and took on extra work without asking. On Thanksgiving he carved the turkey and helped with the family tradition of steaming dumplings. He took charge and took orders from his beloved sisters. Most importantly, he cared for his wife and home, even if it was simply holding her hand to help her cross the street or opening the car door.
Mike is survived by his wife Kathy; son Michael (Rachel) Zuffa; sister Pat Murray; sister Kathy (Richard) Frederick; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, great-nephews, great-nieces; and one much-loved granddog, Pax. He is preceded in death by his parents, Slim and Anne, and his older brother Thomas.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mike will be celebrated on Friday May 23rd, 2025, at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. (7307-40th Avenue or corner of 73rd street and 39th Avenue) Visitation with the family will be on Friday at the church from 9:30AM until the time of mass. Private burial will follow at St. George Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials to the family would be appreciated.
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street Kenosha WI 53142
262-653-0667
www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Susan Harte says:
My Sincere Condolences to the entire family. 🙏
I have several special memories of Mike.
I am blessed to have known him and to have been included in your family celebrations.
May you find peace in your hearts. ❤️
Love,
Susan Harte
Terry Wilson Andrews says:
Mike has been a treasure and valuable part of the Class of ’64. We have shared many wonderful memories together. We love the close relationship our class enjoys every month. Mike will sadly be missed by all of us!!
Kirstin T King says:
Aunt Kathy & Cousin Mike I am sending you love, hugs and prayers. Uncle Mike was a “smiley, gentleman”; a wonderful man. I will see you soon. Love, Kirstin
John Schmitz says:
Kathy our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Many good memories when living next door to you on 33rd Ave. It was always great to see you and Mike around town. He was a great guy. Always enjoyed talking with him. He was always happy!
Your in our prayers.
John & Karen Schmitz
Jennifer Lawrence says:
Kathy, no words can express how deeply sorry we are to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a great guy and loved by many. So many memories come to mind of the four of us, laughing and joking! Great times!
Keeping you in our prayers
Bob & Jenny Lawrence
Kevin Boivin says:
Kathy,
What a shocker! I am deeply sorry for your loss of Mike. Words cannot express my sympathies. Mike’s passing will leave a big hole in many lives. We will miss one of our “three amigos” every year in Aruba.
My prayers for Mike and you.
Love you, Kevin
Peggy Bader says:
Kathy and family, So sorry for your loss. Mike was truly a great guy, and will be miss by many. Always smiling. So glad I was able to see him last year to share stories from the old neighborhood on 33 rd Avenue when we were kids. Peggy Bader, Ellenton, FL.
Joyce Jacob says:
Mike you will be so missed by the Class of “64”. Thanks for the memories. Our condolences to you Kathy and your family. Live on with your amazing memories.
Carlos Colina says:
Kathy’ 😭 am sckock sorry and deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Zuffa. His presence, kindness, will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of family and friends during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Carlos ( aruba )
Kathy Simons says:
Kathy and family,
I am so sorry hear of the loss of Mike. Such a great person. I always enjoyed laughter and conversation with you both at the Bartley House. You made so many fond memories through the years. May those memories ease your pain and keep Mike near you always.
Sandra Hoffman says:
Deepest condolences to you and your family, Kathy. My mother, Judy (Zuffa) Swartz, always felt so blessed to be part of such a lively extended family. Mike’s loss leaves such a big hole in this family – and in your heart. May God’s peace and comfort surround you as you walk through this very difficult time. He will hold your hand and never let you go.
With sympathy, Sandy Hoffman
Cheryl Uttech says:
Deepest sympathies to your family! So blessed to have known you both starting to get to know you from Bartley house and becoming your avon lady ! Mike was a special guy! So glad we got to meet up and have lunch with you in Aruba
Philip Sturycz says:
May the peace of the Lord be with Mike and his family as they go through this difficult time. I am totally floored and shocked by this sad news. I worked with Mike for many years at Johnson Controls and he and, closed several Chinese restaurants together as we would often spend our lunch frequenting the new one in the area. Mike was the most steadfast of people that I know and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and Mike Jr. as they deal with this tragic news.