Michael Jeffrey Kautzman, or “Mikey” as he was known by everyone that knew & loved him, passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on November 2, 2020, at the age of 65.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Jean (nee Kieren) Engelbert, and his siblings, Cindy (Bobby) Grady, Penny Paris (Mike), Gloria (Billy) Armstrong, Ted (Margie) Kautzman, Randy (Karen) Kautzman, Rick (Joell) Kautzman and Vicki (Michael) Aliota, his Aunt Gloria (Rick-deceased) Schoknecht (nee Penterman), Uncles Bob Penterman, Dan Penterman, and Roger Penterman.

He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Daniel Kieren, George Kieren Jr., Richard Kieren, Michael Kieren, and mother-in-law Alice Kieren, and many nieces, nephews, and Aunts & Uncles of both Michael and Lori that loved Mikey very much.

He is preceded in death by his father, Emanuel Kautzman, Mother, Beverly Kautzman-Landgraf (nee Penterman), and brother Michael who died in infancy. He is also preceded in death by his in-laws Arlene & Terry Lohmeyer, and George Sr.

Mikey and Lori Jean first met in 1977 and married in 1979. The marriage did not work out and they divorced in 1992. 25 years later they reconnected and got married again this past March 14, 2020. Lori Jean was always the love of his life and he was at his happiest since they reunited.

Mikey was a gentle soul with a perfect handlebar mustache that he kept perfectly groomed. Not many men could pull that off, but he rocked it!  He had a laugh that was infectious which made you smile and laugh with him. He enjoyed spending time at “Aliota’s Rustic Ridge”, his sister and brother-in-law’s cabin in the Driftless region in Western WI. He was responsible for bringing electricity to the middle of the woods! He spent many weekends there and especially loved to deer hunt, but it was mainly for the camaraderie (and beer!) of all the guys in camp – he just got his first deer last year!

He was also a master griller, “low and slow” he used to say! He enjoyed playing golf with his brother Rick and many friends at Mitchells & Stingers Taverns, watching the Wisconsin Badgers, and the Green Bay Packers. He had a Packer flag he would wear as a cape and run around the house every time the Packers scored; this provided much entertainment for the rest of us! He also LOVED playing the gambling machines at the local watering hole (actually, any watering hole!), and won quite often!

His greatest accomplishment was becoming a master electrician and he spent the last 12 years at Helgesen Industries in Hartford, WI, a job he was proud of and enjoyed. He was respected by the people he worked with. Before Helgesen, he traveled across the United States installing security systems. He always made it a point to get out of the hotel and go site seeing, which provided many wonderful memories, including going to the Masters and golfing at some phenomenal golf courses!

Lori Jean would like to give a special thanks to their dear friends Edie and Danny, who’s support has been greatly appreciated; they are her heroes.

Mikey, you left us too soon and you’ve left a huge void in all of our lives, including your kitty girls Cocoa & Butter, but we have comfort knowing you are with God now and are healthy and whole.

Goodbye Wet Sleeves.

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM.  Memorial Service at 12:30 PM.  Service will be live-streamed at the link below.

Click here to watch service.