Michael (Mike) Wallace, age 69, passed away at his home in New Richmond on November 11, 2020 surrounded by his close family. Mike had battled MDS and successfully received a bone marrow transplant over a year ago. Though this extended his life, his immune system was not strong enough to fight infections and he died from complications.

Mike was born to Kathleen (nee Cunningham) and Gerald Wallace on August 24th, 1951 in New Richmond, WI. He grew up on First Street in Hudson, WI and knew almost every resident at the time. Mike graduated from Hudson High School in 1969 and went on to attend UW-River Falls where he earned an associate’s degree. It was there that he met Janet (nee Sitz) and the two were married on February 17th, 1973. The couple moved to New Richmond along the Apple River. They were thrilled to welcome their daughter, Erin, in 1989. Mike began working for an appraisal firm in Wisconsin. Soon after, he was hired as the building inspector and assessor for the City of Hudson; a job he took pride in for 35 years until his retirement in 2009.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. He was a member of the Hudson Rod, Gun and Archery Club and coached youth trap leagues for various high schools in the area. Mike also enjoyed downhill skiing, tubing on the river, playing cards, woodworking, and listening to Blues music. Mike was close with his family and took special pride in his daughter and grandsons. Mike was known for his determination, generosity, quick wit, and big smile. He lived life to the fullest and fought hard until the very end.

He is preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Wallace, father Gerald Wallace, and beloved sisters Dianne Wallace and Kathleen (Kathie) Kidd. Mike is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janet Wallace, daughter Erin and son-in-law Bret Walejko as well as two young grandsons, Emmett (3) and Neil (6mo) who were the light of his life. Mike also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom he treasured. The memorial service will be held at a later date to honor his final wishes to include his extended family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 20th, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday, all at the funeral home. Following the service, the celebration and lunch will continue at Badlands Sno-Park Chalet, 772 Kinney Rd, Hudson.