Michael “Mike” Williams, age 85, passed away on May 2, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1940, in Ripon, Wisconsin, where his story began and where many of his earliest memories were formed.

Mike’s youth was shaped by hard work on the family farm until age 12, when his father sold the farm and purchased Red’s Bar of Ripon—an establishment that would become a defining part of Mike’s life. First owned by his dad and later by Mike and his brother John, Red’s Bar remains in the family today under the ownership of his brother John.

A gifted athlete, Mike became the 1958 Wisconsin state champion in shot put before graduating from Ripon High School. His talent on the field earned him a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. When alcohol caused him to lose that opportunity, the experience became a turning point—one he later used to help others facing similar struggles.

From 1960 to 1964, Mike served his country as a United States Marine. After completing his service, he returned to Ripon College to finish his degree in education and resumed his football career. His early professional years included teaching 6th‑grade math, where he discovered a love for helping students grow and succeed.

He served as Mayor of Ripon in the 1970s. Sadly, alcohol continued to play a complicated role in Mike’s life—causing harm to relationships, some of which were never fully repaired. In the mid‑1970s, he sought treatment and was profoundly grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ and the freedom to live the remainder of his life alcohol‑free. He often said he wanted to use the good, the bad, and the difficult parts of his journey along with his humor to add value to others’ lives.

In the mid‑1980s, Mike moved to Manitowoc to start an insurance agency for New England Financial Services dedicated to serving local policyholders. This is where he met the love of his life Libby Lou. They were married September 14, 1991.

His career also included teaching courses at Lakeshore Technical College, serving as a job coach at Curative, and after a large plant closure left displaced workers in the community, he taught a course to inspire them to begin a new dream for their lives. Mike also became involved teaching through the Manitowoc Drug Court system. He was especially proud to bring motivational speaker Ron Heagy Jr. to the Capitol Civic Centre, believing deeply in the power of personal stories to inspire change.

In his later years, Mike returned to the school environment he loved—coaching football and track at Reedsville and Mishicot High Schools and working as a substitute teacher. These roles allowed him to continue mentoring young people and sharing the lessons of his life.

Mike’s commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He served as a member of both the Manitowoc County Board and the Manitowoc City Council and was a board member for numerous organizations. He cared deeply about community, leadership, and contributing wherever he could. He stood on the ground of being honest and upright.

Mike is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Naidl née Sprang) Williams; his son Matt (Randi) Williams; and stepdaughters Jody (Bart) Kasten, Kim (Ken) Wilhelm, Carrie Carroll; daughters Tori (Rob) Faust and Mikki Meenk; sons Ted (Sara) Williams and Scott (Melissa) Williams; stepdaughters Amie Will, and Shelly Reinert; his brother John (Judy) Williams; and his grandchildren: Nick (America) Faust; Christopher (Marissa) Faust; Gabrielle (Regan) Kropp; Sophia Faust (Fiancé Tallen); Heather (Kurt Schisel) Wilhelm; Jamie (Andy) Schambureck; Skyanne (Luke) Lensmire; Brynn (Nate) Raduechel; Ivy (Todd) Voeltz; Brock (Haley) Kasten; Jared Kasten; Mahlik (Tayler Snell) Carroll; Benjamin (Jillian) Kasten; and Genesis (Ben Schiedermayer) Carroll; along with 25 great‑grandchildren. He is also survived by grandchildren with whom he did not have the opportunity to share a close relationship, a reality he carried with both regret and hope for their well‑being.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quintin “Red” and Violet (Splitt) Williams; his brothers Jerry Williams and Jim Williams; Matt’s mother, Vermae (Solkey) Williams; the mother of his four oldest children, Jeanette (Wrzinske) Williams; and his stepson Duane Reinert.

Friends and family may gather on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Jeremy Vance of Faith Church in Manitowoc will officiate. Military honors and a luncheon will follow the service.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Williams family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to granddaughter and special caregiver Haley Kasten; Makayla, CNA with Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice; and Cathy with HomeCare Health Services and Hospice for the care and compassion they have shown Mike and his family.