Michael John

Malicki

Michael John Malicki of Cedarburg was called home on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the age of 82, following a courageous battle with dementia. His family was by his side, toasting him with his favorite “nectar of the gods,” Korbel brandy.

Affectionately known as “Mike,” he was born in Milwaukee on August 8, 1944, to Ervin and Florence (Nack) Malicki. As a child, Mike enjoyed his time as a Boy Scout and was a proud graduate of West Division High School in Milwaukee, where he lettered in golf. He later served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

On February 19, 1970, Mike married the love of his life, Kathleen Gasparetti, in Las Vegas. The couple settled in Milwaukee, where Mike worked for the telephone company until the late 1970s, when his entrepreneurial spirit led him into the precious metals industry.

He opened his first business, the Gold Emporium, in Wauwatosa, specializing in pocket watches and gold coins. After selling the Gold Emporium, Mike ventured into a new business, building Skate Country in West Bend, where he and Kathy traded their dancing shoes for roller skates.

In the early 1980s, Mike and Kathy moved their young family to Cedarburg, where they put down roots. Mike eventually returned to his true passion, the jewelry industry, opening Malicki’s Gold & Gems and Malicki’s Inc. in Mequon, where he became affectionately known as “the Mequon Jeweler.” His specialty in watches and gold coins, earned him an appearance as an expert on Antiques Roadshow.

Outside of work, Mike had no shortage of interests. He loved attending gun shows, hunting, fishing, and competing in muskie fishing, sheepshead, and poker tournaments. He was famous for hosting some of the best card nights around, although the real attraction may have been Kathy’s incredible cooking rather than Mike’s card-playing skills.

He eventually taught his children to play cards, firmly believing that “A family that gambles together, stays together.” Mike and Kathy also treasured road trips and adventures with their family.

Mike’s second home was always Up North, particularly the Three Lakes and Eagle River area. During the summer, he could often be found on the lake with a fishing pole in hand and his beloved German Shepherd by his side. When winter arrived, he traded his fishing pole for a snowmobile. And when Wisconsin became just a little too cold, he headed south to his home in Fort Myers, Florida.

Of course, a road trip to Florida was never complete without Mike stopping at just about every pawnshop along the way. When he wasn’t enjoying one of Kathy’s home-cooked meals, the two loved going out for a Friday fish fry, usually accompanied by Mike’s favorite brandy old fashioned sweet.

A devoted Catholic, Mike will be remembered for his honesty, humility, generosity (despite his famously frugal ways), and unwavering loyalty. He was never afraid to share an opinion, especially when politics were involved, and he thoroughly enjoyed a good debate.

A numbers guy through and through, Mike had a sharp mind, a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, and a particular fondness for riddles. Anyone who knew him may remember his favorite: “Where’s the missing dollar?”

Above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He was a trusted confidant, someone his loved ones could always count on for guidance, honesty, and support. He could be tough, but he was always fair, and everything he did came from a place of love.

And then there was Mike’s unmistakable sense of style. His signature look consisted of a Fleet Farm two-pocket button-down shirt, khaki pants or shorts, mid-calf socks, and tennis shoes. He was a man who knew what he liked, and he saw no reason to change it.

And one final thing Mike would want everyone to know:

UFOs really do exist…

Michael’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his four children: Michelle Malicki, Jennifer (Matthew) Berg, Michael (Kathryn) Malicki, and Kimberly (Matthew) Montonati; his eight grandchildren: Eleanor, Owen, Clara, Mia, Ava, Michael, Oliver, and Remington; his brother, Rick (Sharron) Malicki; his sisters-in-law, Rosemary Walters and Carol (Kenneth) Walters; his niece, Colleen (Gerald) Patterson; and his nephews, Scott (Michelle) Walters, Matthew Malicki, and David Malicki. He is further survived by many beloved relatives and friends.

Mike has now been reunited with his beautiful bride, Kathleen; his parents, Ervin and Florence Malicki; his parents-in-law, Elmer and Grace Gasparetti; and his brother-in-law, Richard Walters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church – South (N44 W6055 Hamilton Road, Cedarburg, WI), with Fr. Patrick Burns presiding.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Eernisse Funeral Home (1167 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI).

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Silverado North Shore Community, along with Mike’s dedicated caretaker and buddy, Tom Kolda, for their compassion, friendship, and care.

Memorial contributions in Mike’s honor are appreciated and may be directed to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org.