Michael Morrissey, 50

Michael Frank Morrissey, age 50, of Hudson, died peacefully at home Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease.

Michael was born Nov. 13, 1959, in Amery, Wis., the son of Frank and Avis (Waterman) Morrissey. He was raised in Amery where he attended Amery High School and enlisted in the armed forces where he proudly served in the United States Army. Michael worked as a tree trimmer for many years prior to working for Andersen Windows in the assembly area as well as the office for many years.

As a young man, he was married to the former Shelley Klien, which ended in divorce, and from this union, son Michael Jr. was born. In 1986, he was united in marriage to Jill Framsted. This union would be blessed with children Eric, Zachary and Cali.

Most recently, he became self-taught in the craft of taxidermy, starting his own Stuff It Taxidermy business. With his whimsical and creative mind, he crafted many taxidermy arts for fundraisers and friends. He loved the outdoors and hunting. It gave him great pleasure to train and watch his yellow lab kick up an elusive pheasant in fields of the Dakotas. He enjoyed golfing and taking the microphone for his chance at karaoke. He was also the self appointed Morrissey historian. He enjoyed finding distant relatives, tracking them down, and meeting them for the first time. His greatest love outside of family was baseball and softball. For over 31 years, he could always be found at a ball field, playing and coaching the game he so thoroughly loved! He was so happy and grateful to play alongside his sons as their team went to state a few years ago!

His baseball idol growing up was Lou Gehrig. How ironic, that he would succumb to a terminal illness named after his iconic figure.

Michael leaves behind his wife and best friend, Jill; children, Michael Jr. (Ashley) Morrissey of New Richmond, Eric (Mary) Morrissey of Amery, Zachary Morrissey and Cali Morrissey of Hudson; grandchildren, Taylor, Samantha, Michael; parents, Frank (Marlene) Morrissey of Amery, Avis Morrissey of Amery; sisters, Sue (Harvey) Wyss of Cushing, Bonnie (John) Omer of Amery, Cindy (Joe) Castellano of Milltown; as well as many Framsted family members too numerous to mention.

He joins his grandparents in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hudson. Burial will be in the Amery Cemetery with honorary casketbearers Dennis Leavens, John Omer, Harvey Wyss, Terry Andersen, Gary Frank, Rick Framsted, and Brian Peper. Visitation was from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson as well as one hour prior to the mass at church on Monday. Memorials preferred.