Michael David Downs died on Thursday, April 11, 2024, after a brief illness and we are all devastated. Mike was the husband of Barbara (nee Schmidt), father of Erin (Tom) Berndt, Kim (Chuck) Torres, and Kelli Downs. He was the grandfather of Chris (Elina), Conor, Reid, Gabby, and Sam, and most recently, the great-grandfather of Lincoln Mae. Mike was also uncle and partner in crime to Amy Fehrer. He was born on September 6th, 1938, to Helen Rose (Lee) and John Kenneth Downs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings, Kenneth, Patricia (Al Kalashian), Jerry (Shirley), Kathy (Dale Moberly), Therese, Patrick, and Penny (Ron Rakowski). Mike was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Peggy and Bob Mehner, and brother-in-law James Fehrer. Not a day went by that he didn't miss them. He is survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Jim Williams, as well as sisters-in-law Sherry Downs and Helen Downs and many special nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by too many friends, including his best friend, Mike Feeney.

Mike was happiest outside visiting with neighbors and working in the yard. In earlier years he spent hours making sure the swimming pool was spotless for everyone to enjoy; summer was his favorite time of year. When school was back in session, the younger neighborhood siblings would come over and call for Mike to come out to play. He had all sorts of tricks up his sleeves, including magic garage doors and disappearing acts. The past few years Mike looked forward to phone calls and lunch dates with his long-time friend, George Sanidas as well as hanging out with his granddog, Poppy. Even the doggy daycare staff called him "Grampy."

Mike was an avid Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers fan. But he loved baseball the most and it was fitting that the Brewers were rained out on the afternoon of Mike's passing. Grandpa Mike also loved to travel to see his grandchildren play various sports. He regaled his grandchildren with hilarious stories of growing up in Milwaukee. He had the best sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. To know him was to love him.

There will be a Memorial Visitation on Saturday May 11th at St. James Catholic Church, 7219 S. 27th Street, Franklin, WI, from 9:00-11:00 AM with mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Mike was a voracious reader who visited the library often. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Greendale Public Library in Mike's name.