Michael John Held

Michael John Held, 83, of Elcho, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on the morning of January 4, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Michael was born on May 17, 1940, in Milwaukee, to Gordon and Margaret Held. Michael, who was referred to as "Mick" attended primary school at St. Mary's and Lincoln School. Mick attended Menomonee Falls High School before enlisting as a "kiddee cruiser" in the United States Navy, in February of 1958, where he was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. Mick was a SH3 Petty Officer, before landing his title of the ship's barber. Though, it wasn't until Mick's first patron, who just so happened to be the ship's captain, gave his seal of approval, that he received this title. It was in Jacksonville, that he met the love of his life, Elaine. He would attend many movies at the local theater where she worked, seeing many movies, he didn't care to see, just to see her. He gained her attention and asked her to attend the USO dance with him, she agreed, and the rest was history. In 1959, the couple wed and remained so for 63 wonderful years. Michael was in the Suez Canal in Egypt aboard the USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864) when he received a t...[more]

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gram from Elaine Held, with the news of their son, Joseph Michael Held being born on January 4, 1960. Mick was honorably discharged from the US Navy in March of 1961. The young family relocated to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 1961 where they raised their son, and eventually had three grandchildren. After retirement, Mick and Elaine bought a property in Elcho, in 1994, where they built their beautiful home together. Mick was a loving son, husband, father, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend. He was known for his fun and witty jokester-type personality. He was so mellow-tempered, and such a good-humored man, full of high spirits. Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Held; both of his parents, Gordon and Margaret Held; sister Judy (Donald) Grennier; brother, Richard (Norma) Held; and his great-grandson, Clayton. He is survived by his son, Joseph (Mary) Held; grandchildren, Jamie Held, Michael (Jeanine) Held, and Jessica (Nick) Schmidt; great-grandchildren, Connor, Landon, Darrin, Mason, Alayna, Kynleigh, Cameron, Kyleigh, Paizleigh, and Oakleigh. He is also survived by his brothers, David (Margarita) Held, Steve (Rita) Held, and Peter (Rosemary) Held; along with many other cherished relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. Visitation from Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Elcho veterans will provide military honors immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael's name may be directed to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to thank Rainbow Hospice Care and the Elcho community for the countless acts of kindness they displayed.