Michael W. Mcmahon

Michael W. McMahon, age 89 of Pickett, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. He was born on March 17, 1933 in Iron River, Michigan, to the late Thomas and Arline (Thiese) McMahon. Michael married Marie Lake on July 18, 1953; their marriage was blessed with five children.

Michael attended the University of Minnesota on a full football scholarship and was a member of the “M” Club. He began his teaching career in Wausau at Wausau Newman Catholic Schools. Three years later, Michael returned to the Upper Peninsula and began the football program at Gwinn High School. In 1964, Michael began the Special Education Program at Oshkosh High School and coached football for many years. He was especially proud to coach his Special Olympics basketball team to win the 1987 State Championship. In the years following retirement, Michael generously donated countless bicycles to children in need in the area.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery and being up north at his family cabin. He was a talented carpenter and artist who handcrafted his home and two cabins. Michael was a lifelong learner and enjoyed traveling, history, geography and reading. He was also a member of the Omro Bow Club and cherished many friendships formed there and elsewhere throughout the years.

Michael is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marie McMahon; children: Jaci (Larry) Pettit, Joanne (Steve) Wetterau, LeeAnn (Rodney) Silvis, Michael (Teresa) McMahon and Mary (Tom) Hendricks; grandchildren: John Geiger, Alex (Danielle) Geiger, Morgan (James) Kaczmarek, Melissa Pettit, Amy (Jared) Reichenberger, Ben Wetterau, Lindsey (Matt) Peisert, Jim (Teresa) VanDenBogart, Thomas and Jacob Hendricks; great-grandchildren: Emerson, Charlotte, Lakelyn, Lincoln, Haisley, Elliana, Maverick, Gracelynn, Emma, Eden and Mae. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Vicki Lantz, brother-in-law, Reino (Arlene) Lake, best friend of over 50 years, Walter Whiting and his wife, Patti.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brothers: Thomas (Ann), James, Jerry (Rose), Patrick and Jack McMahon.

A private memorial service and burial will be held officiated by Reverend Larry Pettit.

The family requests any donations be made to the Special Olympics of Oshkosh or the University of Minnesota “M” Club.

The McMahon family would like to thank the ThedaCare Cancer Center of Oshkosh and Neenah, as well as the entire ThedaCare-Neenah 5th floor staff. Your kind and compassionate care have been a blessing at such a difficult time.