In loving memory of

Michael R. Irish
August 21, 1956 - July 13, 2015

Michael R. Irish, of Antigo, died Monday, July 13, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 58 years old. He was born on August 21, 1956 in Antigo, a son of Clarine "Babe"(Knutson) Irish of Kempster and the late Norm Irish Sr. He married Deborah Cossette on June 30, 1983 in Elcho.

He was a graduate of Elcho High School and attended Northcentral Technical College in Wausau.

Michael worked in the logging industry for many years, starting with his father at the age of 7. He was also a tree trimmer and later became a machinist.

He was a board member of National Mutual Benefit Insurance and a member of Bill's Musky Club.

He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping.

Survivors include his wife, Deborah; daughter, Cassandra Irish; son, Brandon Irish all in Antigo; mother, Clarine; sister, Norine Wegner of Fort Worth, TX; brother, Norm (Renee) Irish Jr. of Kempster; father and mother-in-law, Roger and Betty Cossette of Deerbrook; two brothers-in-law, Mel (Carla) Cossette of Wausau and Don Cossette of Antigo. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Keirsten, Amber, Amanda, Austin, Adam, Morgan, Brooke, Cory, Jonathan, Michiel and Kristine.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Dana Schindler officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com

Tributes

Jean Kesselring wrote on Jul 18, 2015:

"Deb and family my deepest sympathy to you and your family. He is gone way to soon. Gods Blessing to all of you. "

Beth Meidl wrote on Jul 18, 2015:

"I will miss Mike as well as all of you visiting. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. take care and God Bless you all. Beth Meidl"

Kathy Jensen wrote on Jul 17, 2015:

"Deb, Cassie, Brandon and family ~ I remember how much fun it was to watch how Mike reacted to the Demolition derby's every year at the fair ~ "There's a road that's made of memories that goes from heart to heart. There's a bridge of special feelings made of all the joys you shared." May those memories help you on this journey from here to there ~ The Jensen's Steve, Kathy, Amanda ( and Jack ) "

Jim & Tammy Hafner & Ella Hanes wrote on Jul 17, 2015:

"Deb and family sorry for your lose."

LEE AND DEB ADAMS wrote on Jul 17, 2015:

"DEB AND FAMILY,WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.IF YOU NEED ANYTHING JUST LET US KNOW"

Janet (Rosio) Schoblaska wrote on Jul 16, 2015:

"Hi to family of Michael Irish. First of all, I am so sorry to learn on your loss too soon. I'm curious if Michael may be a cousin of mine. Norm Irish was my uncle from my dad's side of the family--Gene Rosio. After my move to AZ in 1965 I've lost touch with a lot of my relatives. If this is a relative I would love to hear from you. God bless you through this sad time of transition. Janet"

Deb Shepherd wrote on Jul 16, 2015:

"Deb and family, I am so sorry for your loss of Mike. I remember when we were younger and the fun adventures we would have up in Kempster as cousins do. I know that you have wonderful memories to hold on to. I have you all in my prayers. "

Candy Messer wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Debbie and family, so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you at this time."

Melanie & Tom Richards wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Deb, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."

Lisa & Jeff Wiltse wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Deb and family, I was so sad to read this news and know that you had lost Mike. You have my family's deepest sympathy and will be in our prayers during this hard time, you have a special guardian angel watching over you now forever."

Linda Spence-Mishler wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Deb, Brandon and Cassie: the mark of a good man is the influence he has on his family and the number and quality of his friendships...as family, the memories we have Will be cherished forever and the love for you all continues to grow...absolutely know the Angels are receiving him with shouts of joy and loud Hosannahs...and the hope that is within us will comfort us til we see him again. We lift you up in prayer and offer our help in any way that will assist you as you move through the coming days...our deepest sympathy to you all...God Bless!!!"

Kris & Jim McKeever wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Deb, Brandon,and Cassie. Your family was one of the first to become our friends when we moved to Antigo. We always enjoyed Mike and loved his passion for all that life had to offer. Bills Musky Club's annual banquet was always a fun time....even if our family did win so much.....Jim and Mike had some intetesting fishing outings. We are better people for having Mike and the rest of you in our lives. "

David Mattsen and Lacey Schreurs and family wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Debbie and family, We are so heartbroken to hear about Mike. We know he was looking forward to coming out to Stephi's graduation party last Saturday. Dave and I will miss our visits with him. I have been missing the days I would walk past his room and he would yell "Hi Lacey!" or call me in to shoot the breeze. Dave and I miss hearing the logging and fishing stories and just laughing with him. You and your family are in our prayers. "

Meredith Zernicke wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Debbie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mike, He was one of my favorite residents at Eastview. Always had a smile on his face when I walked in to his room. Very Loving to his family and friends, it breaks my heart to know how short lived his life was. I hope you are all doing well, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, May God bless you."

Mary Holm wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"Deb, Brandon and Cassie, we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great friend, husband and father. We will miss him so much. We are there for you for anything you need. Love you, Henry and Mary"

Gerry Taylor wrote on Jul 15, 2015:

"To the Irish Family, Im so sorry for your loss!!! He was a great neighbor and friend. If you need anything please let me know!!"

Len Lutsey wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"Sending my reguards,Sorry for your loss."

Kay and Ron Weix wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"Dearest Deb, Cassie and Brandon We are so sorry to hear about Mike just know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers if you need anything just let us know. Love and Hugs Kay, Ron, Kristopher and Joshua Weix"

Bernie Kramer wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"So sorry for your loss. It will be hard to go past his room and not see you and Mike there to visit with. Thinking of you."

Sue Christianson wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"So very sorry for the loss of your loved one, may God hold you all in his arms and comfort you in your time of grieving, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless....."

Jan & Tom Below wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all ((((HUGS))))) know Mike will always be with you I hope these words can help ease some of the pain To my dearest family, Some things I would like to say, But first of all, to let you know That I arrived ok. I'm writing this from Heaven Where I dwell with God above, here there's no more tears or sadness There is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy Just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I'm with you Every morning, noon, and night. That day that I had to leave you When my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me And He said, I welcome you. It's good to have you back again You were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest; family They'll be here later on. I need you here so badly As part of my big plan. There's so much that we have to do To help our mortal man. Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do. And foremost on that list of mine Is to watch and care for you. And I will be beside you Every day and week and year. And when you're sad, I'm standing there to wipe away the tears. And when you lie in bed at night The days chore put to flight God and I are closest to you In the middle of the night. " When you think of my life on earth And all those loving years, Because you're only human They're bound to bring you tears But do not be afraid to cry It does relieve the pain. Remember, there would be no flowers Unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you Of all that God has planned, But if I were to tell you, You would not understand. And to my many friends trust, God knows what it best. I'm still not very far away from you I'm just beyond the crest. And now I am contented that my life, It was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way I made someone smile. When you're walking down the street And you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps Only half a step behind. And when you feel that gentle breeze Or the wind upon your face, That's me giving you a great big hug Or just a soft embrace. And when it's time for you to go From that body to be free, Remember, you're not going, You are coming here to me. And I will always love you from that land way up above. I'll be in touch again soon, P.S. GOD SENDS HIS LOVE! Jan & Tom Below"

Anne Koester wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"So many good times (and stories to tell) of having Mike Irish as a neighbor for many years. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand and was ever present at our impromptu weekend "block parties" - beer in hand?? He will be most sorely missed. Prayers for strength and endurance during this difficult time Deb, Brandon and Cassie."

Ron & Jill Messer wrote on Jul 14, 2015:

"The Messer Family sends their heartfelt sympathies. Its so hard to lose a Husband, Dad, Brother or Uncle, but know he is feeling good now...Your all in our prayers"