Michael "Mike" J. Kruchten

Michael “Mike” Joseph Kruchten Jr, age 70 of Roxbury, passed away after a valiant battle with Leukemia. He was born July 9, 1955 to the late Mike and Lucinda (Schroeder) Kruchten. He married Cherie Frey on April 30, 1977.

Mike will be remembered as a kind, hardworking man who proudly operated his home dairy farm until 2009 before working as a mechanic at Arena Cheese until his retirement in 2023. He enjoyed traveling, especially cruises, and spending time in his shed tinkering. Whether in the barn, the shed, or browsing online auctions for his next treasure, he loved the challenge of figuring things out. He enjoyed road trips, especially using his dirt road map. He was always ready to help his kids with projects sharing his opinion, and loved his grandchildren deeply. He also had a special soft spot for his barn cats.

Mike is survived by his wife, Cherie; his children, Brad (Heather MacLeish) and their children, Kaitlyn (Nolan), Brynn and Baryn; Ryan (Kristin) and their dog Marvin, Angie and her cats Brutus and Trixie; his siblings, Janet (Peck) Nelson, Bernie Skolaski, Marlene (Les) Lamb, Don (Sharon), Ray (Ruth), Steve, Joan (Ed) Meier, and Julie (Dave) Shimpach; sister in laws, Barb and Jackie. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Bernard, Bob, Leon and Gerald; sisters in-law, Kay and Jane; his in-laws, Bob and Bev Frey; brother-in-law, Danny Frey; nephews, Kevin Kruchten and Mitchell Frey.

Mike’s family would like to express their sincerest thanks to the healthcare professionals at UW Carbone Cancer Center and to Dr. Hall for his care.

A visitation and celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Dorf Haus, 8931 County Hwy Y, Roxbury where a eulogy will be shared 4:00 pm. A private interment will be held.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com