IRONWOOD, Mich. - Michael Richard Wiemeri, age 72, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease with his family at his side.

Michael was born on October 25, 1953, to Waino and Aili (Hill) Wiemeri in Ironwood. He grew up on Airport Road and had lots of tales of adventures with childhood friends there, including swimming in Spring Creek, the local watering hole for the area. He attended Roosevelt School, graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the Class of 1971, and from Gogebic Community College in 1973.

Born, raised, and residing in Ironwood all of his life, Mike was always drawn to public service.  In his younger years he was an active member of the Ironwood Jaycees, Big Brother/Big Sister programs, and a member of the Ironwood Area Schools Board of Education. He was a member of both the Ironwood Township and City of Ironwood Volunteer Fire Departments as both a firefighter and officer of both organizations. Mike received an award from the International Association of Firefighters in Atlanta, GA for his efforts to save someone's life during a fire in Ironwood in 2006. He was also the recipient of many other fire department awards and honors during his duration in the departments.

He served on the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners for many years representing the City of Ironwood. He served on numerous committees and agencies, including UPCAP, which he enjoyed and ended up serving him at the end of his life. Mike felt his biggest achievement, which  he was so proud of, was to chair and guide a committee to bring 9-1-1 service to the Gogebic County area. He worked countless hours to make sure it materialized, and in 2004 it became a reality and is now an indispensable function in our communities.

Mike had several careers in his lifetime. His first job was an elevator attendant at Copper Peak while attending Gogebic Community College. His next adventure, while attending GCC, was driving the motor coach bus for the Samsons basketball teams. He was later a motor coach operator for White Pine Transit, driving charters, and also a daily route to Green Bay and back. He recently drove school bus for the Ironwood Area Schools, which he also did in the early to mid 70's, which is how he originally met his wife, who was a passenger on his route.

Mike served as Friend of the Court for Gogebic County for five years from 1975 until 1980. He then moved on to be a claims adjuster with Wausau Insurance Company from 1980 until 1992. Subsequently he did independent adjusting for private firms such as Lindsey Morden and Moe and Nevin Adjusters. He was also the owner/operator of a ServiceMaster franchise in the 1990s.

In recent years he worked at Snow River Mountain Resort/Indianhead driving shuttle bus between the ski hills, as a school bus driver for the Hurley School District, and driving cars for Red's Auto. He never lost that desire to get behind a wheel.

Mike married Donna (Zerbst) on October 16, 1976, and they recently celebrated 49 years of marriage. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where they were married.

A proud grandpa, he loved to attend his granddaughter's events, whether it be music, sports or snowmobile racing.

Mike spent many years enjoying the camaraderie at Camp Stumble Inn with his "camp guys." He enjoyed going on four wheeler and snowmobile adventures with the camp  guys and also with his daughter, Carolyn, and son-in-law, Brian. A lot of good times were had. Remember guys, the best defense is "I don't know!"

Many hours were spent at Ben's Place solving all of the world's problems with his coffee buddies.

Michael is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Carolyn (Brian) Bennetts; and the light of his life, his only grandchild, Abby Bennetts. He absolutely cherished her.

He is further survived by a brother, Ron Wiemeri; and sisters, Nancy (Michael) Zbaracki and Florence (Albert) Johnson; his brother-in-law, Brian Zerbst; and several nieces and nephews. Further, he is survived by Lori Bennetts and LeeAnn Bennetts, two people he considered part of his immediate family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Waino and Aili Wiemeri; his brother, Tom Wiemeri; his sister-in-law, Anita Wiemeri; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Ruth Zerbst.

Mike's family would  like to give a heartfelt thanks to the Aspirus Hospice staff and Avanti Home Health personnel for all of their help, care and compassion given during this difficult time.

As per Mike's wishes, there will be no funeral. Enjoy a drink or a cup of coffee in his memory.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.