With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Michael Paul Eauslin, Sr., lovingly known as Mike, who left us on November 30, 2025, at the age of 75 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. This was the third time Mike fought against cancer in his lifetime, and he faced each challenge with unwavering strength and spirit.
Mike was born on April 15, 1950, the oldest of six children to William and Harriet Eauslin, in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up on a farmette with an apple orchard in Pewaukee, WI, operated by his mother, after his father, Paul, passed away at a young age. He graduated from Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School in 1968 and married his loving wife, Carla Marie Vetta, in 1970. They have had 55 years together as husband and wife. Their family quickly blossomed into a large crew with five wonderful children: Shannon M. Angell (Shannon Goodman), Jeannette A. Eauslin (Kim Schoenberger), Wayne A. Eauslin, Michael P. Eauslin, Jr., and Laurie J. Mears (David Mears-deceased)
For the last 50 years, Mike called 309 N Main St in Reeseville, WI, home; sharing countless memories with Carla and their family. He was the proud grandpa of eight incredible grandchildren: Thomas Beal, Dakota Beal, Dominick Eauslin, Marissa Angell, Rebecca Mears (Corey Lewis), Amanda Angell-Read (Nathan Read), Julie Mears (Austin Memmel), and Ronnie Mears. He also delighted in being a great-grandfather to Layfon Lewis, Layla Lewis, Laycee Lewis, Zariah Memmel, Eliyanah Mears, Jaxon Memmel, and Delilah Mears.
Mike had a special bond with his grandchildren, often taking time to take plan exciting day trips, teaching them about nature, gardening, rock collecting, animals and making sure they had experiences they might not otherwise have had, such as horseback riding lessons, boating trips, playing games with them, and passing on his love of fishing. Mike once remarked that he felt his grandchildren were a “second chance from God for him to get it right”.
Mike had a great love of meeting new people, visiting with family, exploring nature, fishing, live music, rock collecting and prospecting for gold, gardening, cooking and hosting family get-togethers.
Mike was known to host barbecues year-round, smoking meats and grilling up huge delicious meals and boasting about his wife’s “world famous potato salad”, as well of the cooking talents of his adult kids. His favorite restaurant to go to for any celebration was Mings in Beaver Dam, and of course he became friends with the owners and enjoyed learning about their culture.
His life was marked by service, spending time in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973 as a logistics specialist. After his military service, Mike worked for the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department, dedicated himself to the community as a volunteer firefighter for the Lowell and Reeseville Fire Departments, and a role as a police officer for the Village of Reeseville in the 1970’s. He also served as an ambulance driver for Bell. Later in life, he enjoyed truck driving for Wisconsin Fineblanking and driving for a lab into his retirement years, with a final retirement from work in 2021, at the age of 71. His adventurous spirit never faded, whether it be taking a class, fishing trips, exploring natural wonders, or traveling with lifelong friends like Dennis LaFratta, Mike Dorn, Dick Rhode, and Bill Piotrowski.
Mike had a deep love for animals, rescuing several animals in his lifetime. Two Huskies in particular were his heart dogs- first “King”, whom he rescued sometime after he and Carla had an empty nest, and after King had lived a spoiled life into old age, the animal distribution system struck again with another stray Huskie in need of a loving home- “Solomon”; he gave him many years of wonderful care and companionship. Mike also enjoyed feeding and identifying local birds and in his later years, feeding and caring for local cats in his neighborhood. He enjoyed sharing the joy of life with his family, and family pets, including a baby raccoon they once rescued and kept.
Though Mike faced significant health challenges in his last few years, he became a kinder and gentler person who cherished every moment. His family and friends rallied around him. His loving family ensured he spent his final days at home in comfort, listening to the beloved songs of his youth with 24/7 family at his side. The family would like to thank Commonheart Home Health and Hospice for the excellent care they provided during his final days.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and William, two brothers; Richard and Mark Eauslin, one sister, Kathryn Ann Eauslin, his son-in-law, David Mears and grandson, Ronnie Mears.
Mike will be deeply missed but never forgotten. In line with his love of nature, he chose a green burial cemetery in Milwaukee that will allow him to be buried in a Prairie of wild flowers, with no environmental contamination. We will carry his love, laughter, and stories with us always. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.
