Michael J. Kammerud

Benton, Wisconsn Michael J. Kammerud, 69, of Benton, Wisconsin, formerly of Wiota, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, January 18, 2013, at his home after a long courageous battle with lung cancer. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at St. Patrick's Church in Benton with Rev. Dave Flanagan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Monday at Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cuba City where the parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Friends may also call from 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at the church before the service. Mike was born in Lafayette County, Wisconsin, on April 20, 1943, to Leland "Dodie" and Iva (Pickett) Kammerud, both of whom preceded him in death. Mike retired after 22 years as a Deputy Sheriff in his beloved Lafayette County. He then spent 17 years as co-owner of the Wiota Milling Company with his brother, Pat. Mike was an enthusiastic John Deere toy collector for 27 years and had accumulated a very large collection. He belonged to the Wiota John Deere Club. He also loved golfing and belonged to Cole Acres Country Club. And, of course, Nascar and Mark Martin, the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers were a passion. Mike loved old western movies, especially if John Wayne starred, and politics, serving as the chair of the Lafayette County Democrats for many years. Foremost in Mike's life was the love he gave and received from his family and extended families. He will be missed by many. Mike is survived by a daughter, Carol (Dick) Ruf and their children, Lee, Ashley and Kayla Ruf, of Darlington; a son, Mike (Cariel) Kammerud, of Willow Springs Township and their daughter, Dania Kammerud; his longtime companion, Judy Hammill; her daughter Robin Hammill (Gerry) Oberbroeckling, of Kieler, and their children, Mark and A.J. Topliss; her son, Rob "Spike" (Shawn) Hammill, of Cuba City, and their children, Jaci, Tori and Ethan Hammill and Matt and Ryan Vail. He is also survived by a sister, Donna (Mike) Marhee, of Viroqua; two brothers, Pat (Lisa) Kammerud, of Wiota, and Tom (Karen) Kammerud, of Darlington; and many nieces and nephews. Judy and Mike's family wish to express a special thank you to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Cathy, Melanie, Lisa, Rev. Penny and Phil for their support and kindness.