Michael Harry Predith

Michael “Mike” Harry Predith, age 86, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, passed away on the morning of May 19, 2026, due to complications of COPD and gastrointestinal illness.

Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on February 22, 1940, Mike lived a life shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a quiet but unmistakable sense of humor. In the early to mid‑1960s, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he was part of flight crews transporting nuclear ordnance to England during a pivotal era in American history.

After completing his military service, Mike married Dale Marie Canfield, and together they began family life in Milwaukee. He went on to build a long and respected career in research and development management at A.O. Smith Corporation. His engineering mind never rested—whether at work or at home, he was happiest taking things apart just to put them back together better than before. He found joy in building models, flying remote‑control planes, and improving anything mechanical that crossed his path.

A lifelong lover of the water, Mike was a dedicated member of Milwaukee’s South Shore Yacht Club, where he served as Commodore. Sailing wasn’t just a pastime for him—it was a calling. He cherished the camaraderie of the club, the rhythm of Lake Michigan, and the satisfaction of a well‑trimmed sail.

Mike also loved a cold PBR, Cadillacs, and the glow of his 75" Samsung TV. He approached life with equal parts ingenuity and mischief, and he cherished time spent with his children, his extended family, and his beloved Umbrella Cockatoo, Cleo, who remained faithfully by his side.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle Marie Schroeder (Predith), known lovingly as Shelley; his eldest son Sean Michael Predith; his grandchildren Katelyn Dale Marie Schroeder and Chase Alexander Schroeder; and the Czaplewski children—Dan, Jeff, Chrissy, Andy, and Rick—from his late wife Ruth Predith (Czaplewski), who continued to hold a meaningful place in his life.

A visitation will be held at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 02, 2026, followed by a Catholic service. Flowers may be sent directly to Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home (237 N Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Center for Animal Rehabilitation at: https://centerforanimalrehab.org/

The family invites friends and loved ones to remember Mike in the ways he lived: with curiosity, craftsmanship, a steady wind, and a cold beer at the end of the day.