Michael J. Sacia

Michael “Mike” Sacia, 83, of Melrose, Wisconsin, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Gundersen Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by his family. Mike was born September 29, 1942, to Gerald and Katherine (Buytaert) Sacia in Winona, Minnesota. He attended schools in Galesville, North Bend, Melrose Junior High, and High School, graduating in 1960.

On June 15, 1968, Mike married Lois (Murray) Sacia in Black River Falls. While residing in La Crosse, they welcomed into their home a daughter, Michelle, in 1971, and a son, Laremy, in 1974. In the spring of 1976, the family moved to Sandberg Road, near North Bend, Wisconsin. They later moved to Melrose, where they enjoyed many years of retirement. Mike was employed by TruGas in La Crosse for several years and later served as maintenance supervisor for the Melrose-Mindoro School District. He also served in the United States Army/Army Reserve from October 1963 to October 2002, retiring as a Warrant Officer (CW4).

Mike always had a deep passion for cars. Every Saturday morning, he loved taking a cruise, most recently in his red Mazda convertible, with friends from the La Crosse area. It was well known that he was not to be bothered during NASCAR races. He was a genius when it came to mechanics and honestly believed there was always a way to fix everything, no matter how difficult.

Mike was very dedicated to his church, St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, in Melrose. He and his wife Lois worked as custodians for the church for many years. He was also a proud member of Neil S. Lewison American Legion Post #439, where he served in various offices. Mike, along with Lois, enjoyed welcoming family members into their home for numerous gatherings, especially for a July 4th picnic.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Michelle, (Craig) Franzmeier; granddaughters, Lokella, and Madeline Franzmeier, daughter-in-law, Jodi (Tress) Sacia; grandson, Rylan Sacia, and granddaughter, Deanna Sacia; siblings: James (Jenny) Sacia, Mary (Bill) Christen, Tom Sacia, Dan (Carol) Sacia, Tim (Mary) Sacia, a foster brother, Gene Taylor; sisters-in-law: Marlene Reineking, Joanne (Ken) Patterson, and Elaine Musser; four aunts: Wanda Sacia, Judy Sacia, Beverly Sacia, and Deb Bauernfeind, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Lois (2024), son, Laremy (2022); his parents, Gerald and Katherine Sacia; father and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Ovidia Murray; brother and sister-in- law Gene and Katie Murray; and brothers-in-law, Harry Reineking and Terry Musser.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Mike Sacia will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, Melrose, with Father Arivu Mariappan officiating.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial, with military honors, in the Melrose

Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Melrose American Legion Hall.

The family wishes to acknowledge the Melrose First Responders, Black River Falls EMS, Melrose Fire Department, Gundersen Health System, and Mayo Health System.

Memorials may be directed to Neil S. Lewison American Legion Post #439 or Melrose First Responders.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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