Michael Joseph DePerry

life story

Family, Friends, and Harleys

Michael Joseph DePerry, age 56, passed away on September 8, 2026. He began a new journey to be reunited with family and friends who have passed on before.

Born to Ray DePerry and Carol (Hiekel) Carlson on October 24, 1969, in Eau Claire, WI, Mike’s early life found him living in Plover, River Falls, and Arlington, VA., before settling in the Bayfield/Red Cliff area. He attended Bayfield schools and graduated from high school in 1988.

He was also a veteran, having served in the US Army, stationed in Germany, for a period of time.

Mike can best be defined by his love and devotion to his family. He loved spending time with his children, showing the kids how electrical and mechanical “gadgets” worked and operated, and he stressed safety first. His work colleagues knew him for the dedicated hard worker he was and the assistance he gave freely to the community when called upon.

He spent a lot of his free time in the garage tinkering on his motorcycles and cars. He truly was a “Harley man” and owned a Sportster and a Wide Glide. He loved to feel the wind in his hair while riding his machines. He had greater joy when giving his nieces and nephews rides.

He loved NASCAR and astronomy. During the NASCAR season he would watch just about every race and knew the rankings of the NASCAR drivers. During a celestial event he would take the boys outside anytime there was an interesting event happening in the sky, whether it was 2 am or 2 pm. He would give the history and science behind what they were seeing through the telescope.

He so loved his children and took immense pride in watching them grow into who

they are today.

Mike worked for over 35 years for AT&T as a lineman, and he received numerous awards for his achievements. He retired from AT&T three years ago.

Mike leaves behind his children, Kayla (Kory), Dalton, Deklan; his parents, Ray (Susan) and Carol; his siblings Cheri (Ron), Jeremy, Corey (Carole), and Jodi (Ken); and his former wives, Raena and Kim. He was preceded in death by his step-father Jerry Carlson and his Grandma Dip (Gladys DePerry) and Grandpa Dip (Michael DePerry) as well as his maternal grandparents Roger and Nellie Hiekel. In addition, Mike leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him and will miss him.

A memorial service will be held on September 27th at 1:00 pm at the Cross Lutheran Church in Roberts. WI. Visitation is scheduled for 12:30 pm. A traditional Native American service will be held in Red Cliff on October 1st beginning at 10:00 am at the Leo LaFernier Cultural Center. Mike’s cousin, Keller Paap, will lead the services in Red Cliff.

memorial service

Memorial Service

September 27, 2026

Cross Lutheran Church 1246 County Rd TT, Roberts, WI 54023, USA

A traditional Native American service will be held in Red Cliff, WI, on October 1st, at 10:00 am, at the Leo LaFernier Cultural Center.