Michael Charles Devenish, age 69, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 28, 2019 near Palm Springs, CA. He was born on January 4, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to Robert and Alpha (Piatt) Devenish. He married Sharon Maly on June 26, 1971 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. HeContinue Reading
Michael Charles Devenish, age 69, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Monday January 28, 2019 near Palm Springs, CA. He was born on January 4, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to Robert and Alpha (Piatt) Devenish. He married Sharon Maly on June 26, 1971 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Sun Prairie.
He is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Sharon, son Ryan (Diana) of San Francisco, a granddaughter Chloe and a grandson on the way, his sister Ann (Doug) Devenish-Cassell of Cape Cod, MA, his brother Ted (Cyndi) of DeForest, brother-in-law Vince (Betty) Maly of Sun Prairie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mike was born into an Air Force family and lived as a child in Madrid, Spain and several cities across the US before his family was stationed in Madison, and they settled in Sun Prairie. A graduate of Sun Prairie High School in 1968, Mike was a respected athlete who held a state record in track. It was at SPHS that he first met Sharon and they married his senior year in college. He graduated from Luther College, in Decorah, IA with BA degree in Art Education and certification to teach. Despite still being an undergrad, Mike was chosen to be a member of the faculty at Luther, and he taught Ceramics Art Courses. Upon graduation, he returned to SPHS as both an Art Teacher and a Coach for Cross Country and Track.
He owned and operated The Good Earth Pottery in Mt. Horeb where he created beautiful ceramic pieces, and displayed and sold his work in numerous galleries, art fairs and shops throughout the upper Midwest. Over a 15 year period he mentored many interns at his studio, sharing his skills while he tutored them. Later Mike joined his wife's business, Devenish Associates, Inc. using his expertise in computer aided design and office management. Working together, the business was soon named to the Top 100 Commercial Interior Design Firms in the US.
Mike was incredibly proud of their son Ryan who followed and surpassed his Dad's athletic skills. It was while Ryan was in Youth Soccer that Mike also began playing the sport and his respect for the game led him to become a USFF Certified Referee. Mike had recently joined the Coachella Valley Soccer Association and was enjoying reffing numerous games during his retirement in Palm Springs, CA.
Mike was passionate about spending time with his family and friends, art, travel, soccer, and he was looking forward to sharing many new adventures in California.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 229 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie. Father Grant Thies will preside. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the Church on Thursday.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com
Bruce Erdman
left a message on March 7, 2024:
Michael and I did a few art fairs together early in my career. Then we moved away and fell out of touch. From time to time we drive through Mt Horeb and see his old studio. Memories...
Bruce Erdman
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Cone 10, my friend.
Peter Morehouse
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Ryan;
I was shocked when I heard of Mike's passing and I am sorry for your loss.
I officiated with Mike over the past many years and enjoyed his company on and off the field. We had nice conversations on our travels to many soccer tournaments over the years.
Conversations always included his family. In our last conversation with Mike after a tournament game last fall, I know he was excited for the move to California.
I will miss his friendship,
Jack and Lynn Sharpee
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Tim and Wanda Thomas
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, sorry for your loss. We had good intensions to come this morning, but because of the icy roads, we did not come.
JoAnn Dunn
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon and family, we are so sorry for your unexpected loss. May God guide you and give you strength through these difficult times. JoAnn (Young) Dunn
Catherine Carter
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Anne
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I'm sorry that road conditions and the weather forecast won't allow me to be at the funeral today. I'm sending you a hug , and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Eileen Deinlein
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We are so sorry about Mike's passing. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Eileen Deinlein
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We're so sorry about Mike's passing. You and all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Landmark
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our family will always remember the good times we shared as your neighbor in Mt Horeb. Jeff & Karen Landmark
Rich Fisher
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Dear Sharon:
My heart aches with you in your loss as you celebrate Mike, a wonderfully authentic human being. Memories flood backalways they include Mike smiling, laughing and speaking the truthI can't ever remember him holding back an opinion or reaction usually to an injustice or thoughtless act. Mike was a naturally charismatic leader who led by example even as a teen; he sought to build people up never tear them down. Few experiences bring people closer together than being athletic teammates. So, even though more than half a century has passed since Mike and I ran track together, he remains one of very few individuals who had a real positive influence on my life and a guy that I admired. In fact, calling Mike my teammate' says a lot about my respect for Mike. Just by force of his strong sense of integrity and character one could not ignore Mike. We all should take a lesson in the example of authentic living that Mike presented. I know I continue to do soand for me, that brings a smile and a good feeling. Peace to you and your family.
Patty Bauer
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, I am thinking of you and the family and my prayers are with you. It was such a pleasure getting to know you both and being able to be a part of your excitement to move to La Quinta, California. I was so excited to have you as a client and a new neighbor! I so appreciated Mikes assistance in helping me with door locks with the many houses we viewed. He was my helper-be! His dry sense of humor was a delight and I could tell you two were lovebirds for many years! I am so sad to see you lose him! I know you have fabulous memories to help you along. With all our activities, I never knew you and Mike were married on my birthday, June 26! You know I can't be there tomorrow but my heart and spirit are with you and the family. Hugs, Patty
David Blaska
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Condolences to classmate Sharon. She and Mike welcomed the Sacred Hearts contingent to their home during the 50th high school reunion weekend. Too young.
Peder Hegland
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Mike and I met at Luther College at the end of our freshman year in !969. We had joined the same fraternity and decided to be roommates for the next year. What a good decision! We ended up rooming together for 2 years. We had a lot fun and many adventures. We studied a little also. Mike was a artist. He was very good with mechanics and also with his hands. One of his projects was very memorable.
He bought a VW bug and took the frame off. Somewhere, he found a kit for a fiberglass replica of a very low slung racing car, I think it was a Porsche. He put the Porsche body on the Bug and that was his car for a while. I drove from Sun Prairie to Luther and back with him many times. We would tool through the small towns on the way and every head would turn as this exotic car went down the street. Mike would be sure to rev up the motor a few times to give the impression that a powerfull motor lay underneath the hood (it didn't).
Unfortunately, in his excitement to get the car on the road, Mike never got the heat hooked up. WE had to wrap ourselves in blankets to survive a winter trip back to classes. My feet always felt like blocks of ice. But what fun!
Mark Endres
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, we are sorry to hear about Mike passing away. We are out of town this Wednesday and Thursday, but our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless. Mark and Laurieann Endres
William Borchert
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Susan and I are shocked and so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. We have great memories of times spent with the two of you. he is already greatly missed.
Dennis Kugle
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Nancy and I are so deeply sad to hear of mike's passing. We both had nothing but respect for Mike; such a great guy. We send our deepest sympathy to you, Ryan and his wife and daughter. We now spend winters in Florida so we will not be able to be there. So sorry again for your loss.
Jeff Wood
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Many great memories. Mike will be missed.
Griffin Dorschel
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon,
Very sorry to hear of Mike's sudden death. Our thoughts are with you.
Shirley Venable
left a message on February 19, 2020:
So very sorry for this to happen and so early in your new life in California
Linda Dawson
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Im so sorry for your loss, Sharon, Ryan and family. Mike was one of a kind. So talented and generous. It was wonderful seeing him at our reunion. He was happy to be starting his retirement in California so he could be closer to Ryan and his family. He will be greatly missed by many. I hope memories of your good times together will bring you peace in the coming days.
Nancy McMahon
left a message on February 19, 2020:
The Devenish Family was a great addition to Sun Prairies community. It was a privilege to have known them.
Debbie Endres-Burress
left a message on February 19, 2020:
My prayers to the family
Meg Nicolay-Taylor
left a message on February 19, 2020:
May God bring peace and comfort to Mikes family. I grew up a few houses away from the Devenishs and have happy memories of the family. God bless you all during this sad time.
Neal Skrenes
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Once again condolences to you Sharon, and also to your family.
Carolyn Scheuermann (Adams)
left a message on February 19, 2020:
So very sorry to hear of Mike's sudden passing. Sharon, you are in my prayers.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Bruce Erdman
left a message on March 7, 2024:
Michael and I did a few art fairs together early in my career. Then we moved away and fell out of touch. From time to time we drive through Mt Horeb and see his old studio. Memories...
Bruce Erdman
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Cone 10, my friend.
Peter Morehouse
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Ryan;
I was shocked when I heard of Mike's passing and I am sorry for your loss.
I officiated with Mike over the past many years and enjoyed his company on and off the field. We had nice conversations on our travels to many soccer tournaments over the years.
Conversations always included his family. In our last conversation with Mike after a tournament game last fall, I know he was excited for the move to California.
I will miss his friendship,
Jack and Lynn Sharpee
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Tim and Wanda Thomas
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, sorry for your loss. We had good intensions to come this morning, but because of the icy roads, we did not come.
JoAnn Dunn
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon and family, we are so sorry for your unexpected loss. May God guide you and give you strength through these difficult times. JoAnn (Young) Dunn
Catherine Carter
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Anne
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mike's sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I'm sorry that road conditions and the weather forecast won't allow me to be at the funeral today. I'm sending you a hug , and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Eileen Deinlein
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We are so sorry about Mike's passing. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Eileen Deinlein
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We're so sorry about Mike's passing. You and all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Landmark
left a message on February 19, 2020:
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our family will always remember the good times we shared as your neighbor in Mt Horeb. Jeff & Karen Landmark
Rich Fisher
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Dear Sharon:
My heart aches with you in your loss as you celebrate Mike, a wonderfully authentic human being. Memories flood backalways they include Mike smiling, laughing and speaking the truthI can't ever remember him holding back an opinion or reaction usually to an injustice or thoughtless act. Mike was a naturally charismatic leader who led by example even as a teen; he sought to build people up never tear them down. Few experiences bring people closer together than being athletic teammates. So, even though more than half a century has passed since Mike and I ran track together, he remains one of very few individuals who had a real positive influence on my life and a guy that I admired. In fact, calling Mike my teammate' says a lot about my respect for Mike. Just by force of his strong sense of integrity and character one could not ignore Mike. We all should take a lesson in the example of authentic living that Mike presented. I know I continue to do soand for me, that brings a smile and a good feeling. Peace to you and your family.
Patty Bauer
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, I am thinking of you and the family and my prayers are with you. It was such a pleasure getting to know you both and being able to be a part of your excitement to move to La Quinta, California. I was so excited to have you as a client and a new neighbor! I so appreciated Mikes assistance in helping me with door locks with the many houses we viewed. He was my helper-be! His dry sense of humor was a delight and I could tell you two were lovebirds for many years! I am so sad to see you lose him! I know you have fabulous memories to help you along. With all our activities, I never knew you and Mike were married on my birthday, June 26! You know I can't be there tomorrow but my heart and spirit are with you and the family. Hugs, Patty
David Blaska
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Condolences to classmate Sharon. She and Mike welcomed the Sacred Hearts contingent to their home during the 50th high school reunion weekend. Too young.
Peder Hegland
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Mike and I met at Luther College at the end of our freshman year in !969. We had joined the same fraternity and decided to be roommates for the next year. What a good decision! We ended up rooming together for 2 years. We had a lot fun and many adventures. We studied a little also. Mike was a artist. He was very good with mechanics and also with his hands. One of his projects was very memorable.
He bought a VW bug and took the frame off. Somewhere, he found a kit for a fiberglass replica of a very low slung racing car, I think it was a Porsche. He put the Porsche body on the Bug and that was his car for a while. I drove from Sun Prairie to Luther and back with him many times. We would tool through the small towns on the way and every head would turn as this exotic car went down the street. Mike would be sure to rev up the motor a few times to give the impression that a powerfull motor lay underneath the hood (it didn't).
Unfortunately, in his excitement to get the car on the road, Mike never got the heat hooked up. WE had to wrap ourselves in blankets to survive a winter trip back to classes. My feet always felt like blocks of ice. But what fun!
Mark Endres
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, we are sorry to hear about Mike passing away. We are out of town this Wednesday and Thursday, but our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless. Mark and Laurieann Endres
William Borchert
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon, Susan and I are shocked and so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. We have great memories of times spent with the two of you. he is already greatly missed.
Dennis Kugle
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Nancy and I are so deeply sad to hear of mike's passing. We both had nothing but respect for Mike; such a great guy. We send our deepest sympathy to you, Ryan and his wife and daughter. We now spend winters in Florida so we will not be able to be there. So sorry again for your loss.
Jeff Wood
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Many great memories. Mike will be missed.
Griffin Dorschel
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Sharon,
Very sorry to hear of Mike's sudden death. Our thoughts are with you.
Shirley Venable
left a message on February 19, 2020:
So very sorry for this to happen and so early in your new life in California
Linda Dawson
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Im so sorry for your loss, Sharon, Ryan and family. Mike was one of a kind. So talented and generous. It was wonderful seeing him at our reunion. He was happy to be starting his retirement in California so he could be closer to Ryan and his family. He will be greatly missed by many. I hope memories of your good times together will bring you peace in the coming days.
Nancy McMahon
left a message on February 19, 2020:
The Devenish Family was a great addition to Sun Prairies community. It was a privilege to have known them.
Debbie Endres-Burress
left a message on February 19, 2020:
My prayers to the family
Meg Nicolay-Taylor
left a message on February 19, 2020:
May God bring peace and comfort to Mikes family. I grew up a few houses away from the Devenishs and have happy memories of the family. God bless you all during this sad time.
Neal Skrenes
left a message on February 19, 2020:
Once again condolences to you Sharon, and also to your family.
Carolyn Scheuermann (Adams)
left a message on February 19, 2020:
So very sorry to hear of Mike's sudden passing. Sharon, you are in my prayers.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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