It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Robert Hayes of Spring Valley, Wisconsin. Michael passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 78 after struggling with medical issues. He is survived by his wife Susan, sister Marva Harms, daughters Sandy (Keith) Karlstad, LeAnn (Frank) Romanazzi, Michelle (Ramon) Hayes-Osuna, Jennifer (Neal) Hayes, and beloved grandchildren Evelyn, Olivia, Kaitlyn, Korbin, and Kaedyn, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mike was born on August 28, 1945, to Geneva and Robert Hayes in Orange, California and later raised in Appleton, Minnesota.
After attending two years of college, he enlisted in the Army (Artillery Branch). About three years later he was commissioned as an officer, graduated from Army flight school and earned his wings as a UH-1 Huey pilot. During his Viet Nam tour from 1968-69, Mike was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic service. After Vietnam, Michael continued his military career as a rotary wing instructor pilot. He retired at the rank of Major from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1990. He also retired as a Department of Army Civilian in 2001.
Mike enjoyed living on his hobby farm in Spring Valley, Wisconsin. He took pride in his carpentry skills, which he used to build his house and hobby shop. Mike’s retirement hobby passions were volunteering his skills at the Minnesota History Center fabricating museum displays; model train repair and restoration, attending train shows and running trains with the grandchildren. When not doing train-related work, he enjoyed listening to bluegrass music while driving his tractor.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Raschke, niece Patti Johnson, father-in-law Bob Johnson, brothers-in-law Donald Raschke and Tom Harms.
Please join us in remembering and celebrating Michael’s extraordinary life. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation/Celebration of Life for Mike will be on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.
Military honors will be performed at 4 p.m. following the visitation.
