Michael T. Degenhardt, 53, of La Crosse died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., with his loving family at his side.

He was born Oct. 30, 1952, in La Crosse to Lawrence and Helen (Marx) Degenhardt and graduated from Aquinas High School. He worked at Crown Cork and Seal in La Crosse for 30 years.

He loved fishing, being on the river and also enjoyed hunting. He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Michael was a very sentimental person, who loved his family dearly and was very proud of being a grandpa.

He is survived by two sons, Jason (Tanya) Degenhardt of Onalaska, and his grandchildren, Maycie and Tysen Degenhardt, and Jeremy (Jessica) Degenhardt of La Crosse; brothers and sisters, Mary (Jerry) Kendhammer of West Salem, Rich (Judy) Degenhardt of La Crosse, Ruth (Jim) Roesler of Coon Valley, Joan (John) Price of La Crosse, John (Pat) Degenhardt of Holmen, David (Linda) Degenhardt of Madison, Therese (Dan) Bina of Union, Ky., and Tom (Lisa) Degenhardt of La Crosse; a sister-in-law, Sandy Degenhardt of Waterloo, Iowa. Michael was also loved by 23 nieces and nephews; one aunt, Eva McNally; and an uncle, Paul Marx, both of Janesville, Wis., and his former wife, Debra Degenhardt of Onalaska. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Degenhardt, and two siblings in infancy.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Jan. 19 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.