Michael "Mike" R. Pitsch

Michael R. Pitsch, 78, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born December 7, 1944, in La Crosse to Robert and Stella (Savord) Pitsch. Mike attended Holy Trinity Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1963.

On July 20, 1968, he married Sandra "Sandy" Engh at St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse. Mike worked as a Welder and Cost Estimator for Trane Company for many years until his retirement. He was an active member of Mary Mother of the Church Parish, involved as an usher, eucharistic minister and member of the church choir and men’s club. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing cards with his friends and family.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. His kind, caring nature and sense of humor were loved by all. Mike always made others smile with his jokes and quips, which became known as "Pitsch-isms".

Mike is survived by his wife, Sandy; two daughters, Shannon Brickson and Stacey (Adrian) Pitsch-Stumpf, both Of La Crosse; a granddaughter Alyssa Brickson; step-grandchildren Keilla, Bill Jr. and Ben Brickson; brother and sisters Sue (Jerry) Gora, Paula (Tom) Breidel, Mary Pitsch, Pam (Jim) Kowal and Joe (Cheryl) Pitsch, along with many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Stella, brothers and sisters Georgia Pitsch, David Pitsch, Patti (Jim) Finn and Steve Pitsch, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Raymond and Marie Engh, brother-in-law Dennis Engh and nephew Seth Breidel.

Memorials may be made to Mike's two favorite causes: St. Clare Health Mission and La Crosse Citizen Advocacy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 14 ^th at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in La Crosse with Rev. Brian D. Konopa officiating. Entombment will follow in Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the Mass.