1942 – 2025
Mike passed away peacefully, surrounded by family,y on September 11, 2025, at Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.
Mike was born on June 24, 1942, in Kenosha, WI, to Walter and Jane Wells (Goldberg). He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Purdue University with both a mechanical engineering and economics degree, where he was also active in ROTC. While pursuing a law degree at George Washington University in 1967, he was drafted into the Army. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1972. After being honorably discharged, he moved back to Kenosha to serve as President of Frank L. Wells Company. Additionally, he donated much of his time to boards, charities, and mentoring others – Kenosha Recognition Association, 306 Club, Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Kemper Center, and Kenosha Savings & Loan Bank, to name a few.
In his later years, Mike moved to Cable, WI, to the home his parents built on Lake Namakagon, where he loved to host family and friends. He also continued lending his expertise, leadership, and generosity to the Grand View Churches Finance Committee, Staff Parish Relations Committee for the Chequamegon Bay Collaboration Ministries of the United Methodist Churches, the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Ashland County, and the Cable/Namakagon Historical Museum. Until his death, he continued his international business endeavors as President of MW Wells & Associates, traveling abroad, working with colleagues and customers, and visiting close friends who were considered family.
Mike was “larger than life,” as his friends and anyone who spent time talking with him would say. He always saw the positive in any situation and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He never had a bad word to say about anyone; he truly believed everyone was good at the core.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Judie Wells. Those surviving include his children Amy Wells-Parise (Jack), Sarah Whittier (Jon), Rebecca Wensel (Rich), Michele Wells (Rob), and Walter Wells; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Kate Whittier, and Helen and Lucille Wensel; siblings Marge Copley (Gene) and Thomas Wells; plus, many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Kenosha, WI, on March 21st, 2026, at Kemper Center – Founders Hall, from 3-6 pm local time. We will begin shortly after 3 pm with a remembrance prayer, and everyone is invited to share a story about Mike during this time or whenever they feel inspired during the celebration. Refreshments and appetizers will be available. Additionally, a Memorial Service will be held in Cable, WI, on June 19th, 2026, at the Cable Community Center at 11:30 am local time with a luncheon to follow (visitation with family 11-11:30 am and post-service). Bratley Family Funeral Homes and Ashland Crematory are handling affairs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grand View United Methodist Church – P.O. Box 124, Grand View, WI 54839.
