Michael Francis Malone, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on December 17, 1946, in Manchester, Iowa, to Frances, née Kelley, and Francis Aloysius Malone.

Mike was united in marriage to Mary Karen Pierpont on August 20, 1971, and together they raised three children: Brian Michael Malone, Diane Kelley Malone, and Mark Robert Malone. Mike was a devoted family man who cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Frances Chandler Pierpont Malone (10) and Michael Van Cameron Malone (5), children of Brian and his wife Mary Cameron Malone (née VanGraafeiland); Alexus Taylor Bell (27), daughter of Diane; and Axel Ray Snorek (11), stepson of Mark and his wife Carrie Malone (née Snorek).

Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Winterhof. Judy's children, Steve Winterhof and Amy Peine (née Winterhof), were beloved by Mike.

Mike earned his Bachelor's degree from Mankato State University and earned a Master's degree from Carthage College. Mike devoted his professional life to education. He moved to Racine in 1969 and began a remarkable career as a physical education teacher. He spent 33 years at Starbuck Middle School and 8 years at St. Joseph's, positively influencing the lives of countless students. In addition to his teaching career, Coach Malone was a devoted coach of many teams, including girls basketball at St. Catherine's, football, baseball, and tennis at Case, and football, basketball, and track & field at Starbuck.

In leisure, Mike enjoyed spending time with friends and family, playing golf, bowling, and playing ping pong. He also enjoyed singing songs by the Irish rock group U2 with his sons during their holiday reunions. And he never missed a game any of his children participated in (except for swimming – that was too much for him). Mike spent his life rooting for the Fighting Irish of the University of Notre Dame and his beloved Hawkeyes from the University of Iowa. He ended every letter and note with a spirited "Go Irish!"

Mike, known as Papa to his grandchildren,  was the kindest soul, who will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, students, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A public visitation will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. A celebration of Mike's life will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11:00am, at the funeral home. Visitation on Thursday will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.

Service Details

Visitation:  Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 4:00pm until 7:00pm

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant, WI

Funeral:  Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11:00am

Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mt. Pleasant, WI

Visitation on Thursday will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists