Michael “Mikey” Burrell

Michael “Mikey” Burrell, of Arbor Vitae, 79 passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Season’s of Life Hospice house in Woodruff with his children and a grandson by his side. Mike was born on January 14, 1947, in Milwaukee, where he spent his childhood to high school years. He worked for Kerney and Trecker in West Allis and got his CDL to haul asphalt to help pave Milwaukee streets before moving to Lac Du Flambeau in 1970 to take a maintenance job with Simpson Electric Company and a caretaking job for a pair of elderly ladies from Evanston Ill. that had a house on Pokegama Lake. In 1976 Mike landed his career with GTE (now Verizon) and moved to Arbor Vitae where he and Linda (his wife at the time) raised their three children David, Rita, and Amy.

Mike was an amazing mechanic and handyman; he could fix and build anything and loved to talk cars and shop (especially if it was about Chevy). He liked to play softball in his early years and was in the National Guard as well. He enjoyed deer hunting, turkey hunting, pig hunting and taking the four-wheeler to Michigan to go copper hunting with his friends. He could be found most mornings having his “morning meeting” at Mc Donald’s with “the boys” solving the world’s problems and just enjoying the company of his friends. If not there he would like to hang out at Jeff’s Repair where his son worked and would drink coffee and enjoy chatting with customers. He was known to hop in his truck and just go for a long drive just to see what was out there. He absolutely loved to talk and meet new people. Mike was a kind and genuine man who always saw the good in every person and situation.

Mike is survived by his children; David (Kara) Burrell, Rita (Lupe Melendrez) Burrell, and Amy Burrell. As well as his grandchildren Alex, Scott, Raegan, Alaysha and Dawson Burrell, Alayna Melendrez and his great-grandsons Jaxon and Jett Burrell also his brothers Ricky (Nikki) Burrell and Thomas (Cindy) Burrell as well as many good friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents Allison (June) and LaVerne (Dolly) Burrell, his sister Judy Burrell, his brother Timothy Burrell and his other sister Mary (Glass) Burrell.

Mike was truly a fantastic dad, brother and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 18, starting at 11 a.m., at Mikey’s farm 1711 Hwy. 51 North, Arbor Vitae. Mike loved to eat and share with people, so to follow his traditions please bring a dish to pass and/or stories to share. The celebration will end at 3 p.m. or when the world’s problems have been solved, just like Mike would have wanted it.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.