Kulish, Michael David 1954 - 2021

KULISH, BARR, PETERS, REICKS, EPPENS, RAGSDALE, MACAL, STEE, BRODERICK, SHORES, OVERHAUG, RURODEN, SHUMAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/17/2021 at 10:52:25

Michael David Kulish of Mason City, formerly of Calmar Iowa, passed away Saturday December 11, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Mason City. He struggled with heart disease for the past 25 years.

Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, 202 South Washington Street, in Calmar, IA.

There will be a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home.

Mickey was the sixth of nine children born to the union of Walter and Genevieve (Barr) Kulish on June 20, 1954 in Decorah Iowa.

Mickey was baptized in the catholic faith at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, Iowa and received the other sacraments of First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation as he attended St. Aloysius Catholic School in Calmar. He finished his high schooling at South Winneshiek.

After high school, Mickey met and married Cathy Peters from New Hampton in 1972 and to that union 2 children were born, Michelle and Michael Kulish Junior. They later divorced. Michelle the apple of Mickys eye, didn’t walk the earth long, she died of heart complications at the tender age of 9 months old in 1973 and then lost his eldest son Michael (Mick) Kulish Junior in 2012 from a semi accident.

Mickey then met in 1979 and married Bridget Reicks of Cresco in July of 1986. To that union was their only son Aaron Kulish. They later divorced but they remained friends until his death.

Micky worked for the Coca Cola plant for a few years in Decorah, then as a mechanic for Kramer's Auto in New Hampton and then worked for the Soo Line Railroad until he became disabled with heart problems in 1996.

Mickey had a zest for life despite his disability and loved adventure! He decided to be a race car driver and raced Modifieds. He raced all over and even though he wasn’t famous worldwide, he had a heck of a time enjoying himself and had the family following. He loved spending time with his brothers Clifford and Kevin and cousin Chris Eppens, riding motorcycles. Chris also helped him with his race car. He also loved to watch WWF/World Wrestling Federation with his then, wife Bridget and son Aaron.

Mickey always believed that family was a very important part of the whole scheme of things. He loved camping, cooking, family reunions and spending time with family and his numerous friends. He would be the first to line up family camp outs and ALWAYS brought the scalloped potatoes and ham. He didn’t miss the reunions; he was the constant. He loved his nieces and nephews and his children. They were his world. He would do anything for anyone and he helped everyone who needed him. He was a very caring man with open arms, welcoming his longlost Granddaughter to the family after a long 20 years of not knowing her. He was also a wonderful grandfather/great grandfather.

Mickey is survived by his only son: Aaron Kulish of Calmar. Grandchildren: Angela Elness, Michael Kulish (Annika Ragsdale) and Courtney Kulish. Great Grandchildren: Neveah, Jaelynn, and Maverick and Rylan Ann and Lane Kulish. His sisters: Rose (Duane) Macal, Middletown, OH and Patricia Stee Shuman, Osage, IA. Brothers: Clifford (Rita) Kulish, Prairie du Chien, WI. Wayne Kulish, Stacyville, IA. Maurice (Joane) Kulish Calmar, IA and Kevin (Kristine) Kulish, Calmar, IA along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mickey is preceded in death by his children: Michelle and Michael Kulish. Parents: Walter and Genevieve (Barr) Kulish. His maternal grandparents: Charles and MaryEllen (Broderick) Barr. His paternal grandparents: Wenzel William James and Rose (Shores) Kulish. Also preceding him in death were his brothers: Walter Eugene and David LeRoy Kulish. Sisters-in-law: Rita Overhaug Kulish and Norma Ruroden Kulish Foster. Brother-in-law: Lowell Shuman. Nephews: Wade and Shannon Macal.

Source: Schluter-Balik Funeral Home database