Michael Robert Hayes,67, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept 5,2017 surrounded by the love of his family. He was born January 19, 1950 to the late William and Grace (Swanson) Hayes. Michael served two tours of duty in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Campaigne Medal, and 100 Mile Certificate before being honorably discharged in 1974. Michael retired last year from the United States Postal Service and had worked for U.S. Steel before that. He lived many years in Illinois before realizing his lifetime dream of moving back to Wisconsin. He had ten beautiful years of "living the dream" before passing away following a brief unexpected illness caused by complications following a routine surgical procedure.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Kathy (Otinger) Hayes; his beloved daughters, Leilane (Eric) Linn of Munster, Indiana and Kelly (Charles Hubbert) of Chicago, Illinois; and his buddy and beloved grandson, Leonard Michael Linn. Lenny, not a day went by when Papa didn't brag on you to everyone he met. He is also survived by his beloved sister (by marriage), Lisa (Mingo) Maldonado; his nieces Kimberly (RT) Grellman, Hope (Paul) Davis, and Reba and Debbie Hart; nephews, Ruben and Armando Maldonado; sister and brother by love, Liane and Bill Martin; goddaughter, Sarah(Adam) Martin; beloved foster son, Steve Longhi; special friends, Don & Donna Wisniewski; and many other loving family members.

Mike leaves many friends to mourn including his cherished AA family; especially Justin Domanoski, who have been a constant support in our time of need, his fishing buddies, his work friends, and his neighborhood chums. Everyone who knew Mike loved him. He was a pillar of love and support for all who needed him.
He will be greatly missed.

Visitaiton will be held at Miller-Reesman, Kasuboski, Haas, and Dahl Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept 10 from 1-4 p.m. with services to follow at 4 p.m. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Monday, September 11 at 1 p.m. for the procession to Union Grove Veterans Cemetery for full military honors and internment at 2 p.m. There will be a celebration of life and love to follow at Mike's favorite place in the world - The Benjamin Club. Please join us for remembrances and light repast as we remember our dear Mike.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Austin Pets Alive to help rescue the displaced pets of Hurricane Harvey: www.facebook.com/austinpetsalive/.