Michael A. Caldwell

Michael (Mike) A. Caldwell of Cedarburg passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 28, 2023. His big loving heart wasn’t strong enough to keep on beating here on earth.

Mike was born in Milwaukee on January 7, 1948, to Leonard and Marcella (nee Kaiser) Caldwell. He was baptized at Trinity Evangelical Church in Milwaukee on April 11, 1948, and confirmed at Faith Lutheran on May 21, 1961. He was proud to be a charter member of Faith and treasured his childhood memories of gathering and splitting stones for the front walls of the church. Mike graduated from Cedarburg High School in 1966 and was united in marriage to Joyce, his partner in life, on January 30, 1971, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in the township of Jackson.

Mike’s first (and shortest) chapter of work was at Paulus Foods where he and Joyce met and where he took delight in getting to know many people in Cedarburg. He began working for the Cedarburg Police Department as a patrol officer in 1971, rising to the rank of lieutenant in 1980. He was instrumental in overseeing the design and construction of what was then the new police station in the years before his retirement in December 2001. His heart journey began with a heart attack and triple bypass surgery one week after retiring.

A heart attack didn’t slow down his need to be busy with work. By April 2002 he had recovered and began over 20 years of service at Newman Chevrolet as their courtesy shuttle driver. Since Mike always loved cars, liked driving, and thoroughly enjoyed talking with people and learning about their lives, this was the perfect job for him. Mike did much behind the scenes in addition to driving customers wherever they needed to go. He was up early every morning to make sure the service department was open for business by 7:15, drove to pick up parts, and gave support and help where it was needed. His mind couldn’t decide when it was time to leave Newman, so again, it was his heart that made the decision.

Mike was active throughout his life at Faith Lutheran Church, including serving as Congregation President at two different times, providing leadership for worship and guidance in personnel issues and mentoring. He is also known around Cedarburg for the car detailing he did as a side job. Those who drove past his house know that he had a penchant for cutting the grass with his lawn tractor, wearing fireman boots.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (nee Ziemer), and will be deeply missed by his sons Peter (Toni) and Aaron. He was the loving Grandpa of Nick, Tyler, and Jaxon. Mike is further survived by his sister Kathy (Jim) Biskupski, his mother-in-law Arleen Ziemer, his siblings-in-law Mary (Rolfe) Nervig, Mark (Claudia) Ziemer, and James (Sharon) Ziemer, eleven nieces and nephews and their partners and children, and other relatives and many friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Marcella, step-mother Marion, and father-in-law Urban.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, W35N6621 Wilson St, Cedarburg. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Faith Lutheran Church, or a charity of choice are appreciated. To sign the guest book or send online condolences to the family, please visit www.muellerfuneralhome.com.