Michael Osieczanek

Michael Osieczanek, age 77, from Manitowoc, passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of family.

Mike was born on January 19, 1948, in Manitowoc, WI to Alvin and Carol (Weber) Osieczanek. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served in Takhli, Thailand during the Vietnam War.

In 1968, while on leave, he met the love of his life, Linda Schmitt. The two quickly made plans and later married later that year at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Two Rivers, WI. Over the years, the couple welcomed four children into their family, son’s Shane, Scott (deceased), and Scot, as well a as daughter Shannon.

Mike served 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, being stationed in Amarillo, TX, Las Vegas, NV, Takhli, Thailand, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Incirlik, Turkey, Little Rock, AR, and Sumter, SC. Upon retirement from the U.S. Air Force, the family moved back to Manitowoc where Mike started a job working at the Manitowoc Airport in maintenance. He then was able to start a new career with the Manitowoc Post Office as a Rural Letter Carrier which he thoroughly enjoyed, retiring in 2011.

Mike always loved children and was often found holding a baby for hours. While in the Air Force, and even before becoming a dad, the neighborhood kids would knock on the front door and ask Linda if Mike could come out to play. Mike really loved his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as “DzaDza” (a Polish version of grandpa). Into full retirement, Mike’s love of children continued as he became a Teacher’s Helper at Magee Elementary in Two Rivers, when his youngest granddaughter started school and they could not be separated, which began a 9-year stint of volunteering at Magee. Countless children were blessed and greatly benefited from the love and patience he was willing to share. There were times Mike was out in public, and kids would run up to him for a hug calling out, “DzaDza,” leaving the parents questioning their children’s actions. In the neighborhood he was known as the cookie man as any of the kids could come to his home, knock on the door, and request a cookie that he would give to them along with a little advice to stay of trouble.

Mike is survived by his wife: Linda; children: Shane Osieczanek (Appleton, WI), Scot Osieczanek (Manitowoc, WI), and Shannon (Shawn) Taddy (Two Rivers, WI); grandchildren: Olivia and Payton Osieczanek, Ryan, Chloe, Catelyn, and Cathryn (CC) Taddy; three brothers: Tom (Ruthann) Osieczanek, Kevin (Cindy) Osieczanek, Todd (Kris) Osieczanek; three sisters: Nancy (Harry) Schaefer, Dawn (Mike) Endries, and Becky (Todd) Kiel; aunt: Shirley Osieczanek; sister-in-law: Carol Schmitt; niece: Nadine Schmitt and numerous other nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his infant son: Scott Adrian Osieczanek; his parents: Alvin and Carol (Weber) Osieczanek; in-laws: Raymond and Alice (Kielman) Schmitt; brothers-in-law: Donald Schmitt, Terry Schmitt; nephew: Thomas Osieczanek Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 16th at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community, 8100 Brunner Rd., Newton, WI. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Military Honors will be at the church, following Mass. Burial will take place at Knollwood Memorial Park, Manitowoc, WI at 2:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Jens Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family would like to extend appreciation to a great friend Brian Hubbartt, for being our driver to many appointments, assisting with transfers, and many wonderful visits. We would also like to send heartfelt thanks to the staff from Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers and Green Bay, as well as Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee. Lastly, the staff of Aurora at Home Hospice, specifically Kayla, Pam, Chelsey, Shelly, and Chaplain Matt.

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