Michael Louis Ferris

Michael “Felix” Louis Ferris

Michael Louis Ferris, 67, passed away in his home on Christmas Eve surrounded by his large family and loved ones. 

Mike was born on March 29, 1957 in Lawton, Oklahoma while his father served in the army. A few years later the family returned to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where Mike was a life-long resident. 

When he was young Mike spent a lot of time with his siblings, cousins, and neighbors, and he always maintained a sense of pride in the Northside where he and his ten siblings were raised. Throughout his life Mike maintained strong connections with a wide circle of friends. 

Mike was a father to three wonderful children. His daughters, Amara and Julia, share his love of music, literature, and the arts. Mike and his son Brandon celebrated Brandon’s fondness for trains by attending train shows annually. He and his children enjoyed the large family reunions in Ironwood, Michigan over the years, and they have many happy memories swimming at Logan Pool, Bluebird Springs, and La Crosse beaches. 

Mike attended Aquinas High School and UW-La Crosse. At a very young age his father began teaching him the shoe repair trade, and he continued to work in the shoe repair business for over twenty years. Mike loved the camaraderie with his family and friends in the business, and he was a favorite among the customers. Mike also worked at the La Crosse Center in sales and marketing for eighteen years and valued the friendships he cultivated there. 

Mike’s love of music began at an early age, and he played the guitar throughout his life. His family and friends all have stories related to Mike’s enthusiasm for music, such as listening to music together, going to live performances, or hearing Mike play. Mike also belonged to a local audiophile group that collected vinyl and audio equipment and listened to music together. 

Mike was passionate about books and read a wide array of topics. He also enjoyed cooking Lebanese food for his family and friends. An avid bicyclist, Mike was keen on fitness. Later in life Mike found an enthusiasm for long distance walking.

In 2019, Mike moved in with his mother and became her chief caregiver around the clock. Over the next five years, Mike’s care of his mother was unparalleled and brought immense joy to his siblings who were often reminded that they could not do anything as well as Mike. His daily Triple-Yahtzee games with his mother are legendary in the family. 

Mike was diagnosed with cancer in late 2023, and he was supported throughout his battle by his large family and his close friend, Beth. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Gundersen Oncology Department, with special thanks to Dr. Harmon, Eileen Williams, and Lisa Gundersen.

Mike’s thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and calm presence will be severely missed. 

Mike is survived by his mother, Jean Ferris; children, Brandon Ferris, Amara Ferris, Julia Ferris; siblings Patti Ferris Emery (Dale Emery), Barbara Ferris, Mary Conrad, Sophia Ferris (Erik Gundersen), Thomas Ferris (Tracy Ferris), Joan Ferris (Jay Sparks), James Ferris (Molly Ferris), Jonathan Ferris, Jennifer Ferris (Matthew Protz), and Sarah Ferris (Neil Jebb); nieces and nephews, Lisa Santelli, Alexis Ferris Holthaus, Thomas Ferris, Isabel Ferris, Olivia Ferris, Sydney Ferris, Millie Jebb; and his close friend, Beth Hartung. 

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Roger Ferris, and his nephew, John Ferris-Purcell. 

A small celebration of life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Coulee Recovery Center; https://www.couleerecovery.org/donate.