Michael Bernard, Mike, Cwayna was born March 16, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mike was the first child born to Michael Joseph and Clara Lucille (Gigowski) Cwayna. He moved with his family to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in 1938 and graduated from St. Dominic's Catholic School in 1946 and Sheboygan North High School in 1950.
In high school, Mike was an avid participant and multiple letter winner in basketball, track, and football. Upon high school graduation, he accepted a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin where he played four years as offensive center and defensive linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers. Mike was a proud member of "The Hard Rocks," the nation-leading defense that defined Wisconsin's success from 1950-1954. During that four-year time span, Mike's team earned a record of 26-8-3, received its first #1 ranking by the Associated Press, claimed the Big Ten title in 1952, and made history by earning their first trip to the Rose Bowl in January of 1953. These years and the friendships with his teammates were special to Mike throughout his life.
In his sophomore year, Mike joined the UW Naval ROTC program. In 1955, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. At that time, he was commissioned and began his service as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. He trained and served at Quantico, Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. He then returned to the University of Wisconsin to enter Law School in 1958. At that time, he joined the 9th Reserves in Madison and served as Captain until his discharge in September 1961. He graduated from the UW Law School in January of 1961 and moved with his wife Patricia to Amery, Wisconsin, to begin private practice law with Allen Kinney in February 1961.
Mike met and fell in love with Patricia Vechinski while he was in law school. Following her instructions after their first date, he did indeed "hurry back." They were married at St. Alexander's Church in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, on July 2, 1960. They welcomed two daughters into their family in the early years of their marriage, Mitzi (Michelle) in November 1961 and Sara in October 1964.
Mike practiced his law profession for 35 years. He assisted his clients as a private practice attorney, served the public as Polk County District Attorney, Polk County Court Commissioner, and Polk County Judge. He also served as Amery City Attorney for many terms.
Community, church, and professional organizations mattered to Mike. He was a member of the Polk County Chapter of the UW Alumni Association, Amery Community Club, Lions Club, and the Knights of Columbus. He served as St. Joseph's Parish Council President, Amery Fall Festival Chairman, Amery School Board member, and American Legion Commander. He also helped establish the Amery Housing Authority, and in 1981, he helped found the Amery Band Boosters.
Mike loved following Amery Athletics, especially football. He enjoyed scouting football opponents for Coach Dave Myers in the 1960's. He treasured the opportunity to help young football players with their skills. Lasting friendships were made.
An especially happy time was the day Mike and his high school friend, Dr. Dick Schutte, had Sheboygan bratwurst shipped to Amery via a Greyhound bus for a men's day meal at the Amery Golf Club. When they saw what was on the grill, the guys said "What the heck are these?" After tasting, they said "You got anymore?" The meal became a tradition for many years and a lasting memory for Mike and his golf team.
During his lengthy illness, Mike was blessed by the excellent care of Gehrig Williamson, M.D., and the daily love and skilled-care of many nurses and aides at Judy's Cottage. After living a very full and fulfilling life, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, advocate, and friend passed to his eternal rest on May 30, 2017. He met every challenge of living with Alzheimer's with grace, humility and dignity – not to mention song and humor, unrelenting courage and occasional spitfire.
Mike leaves behind his beloved wife Patricia, whom he was blessed to be married to for nearly 57 years. He is also survived by his two children Mitzi (Clark) Anderson and Sara (Todd Johnson). He also leaves behind his much-loved grandson Sam Eldred, who shares his "Jaj's" March 16 birthday and was the wellspring of his grandfather's fierce pride. Mike is also survived by brother-in-laws David, Greg, Steve, and Lance and their families, by nieces and nephews of his late brother and sister, and countless other neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn, and his brother Jim.
Mike loved us, engaged us, supported us, championed us, and entertained us. Sometimes he even dared to snap us to attention. But he always inspired us and made us think about who we are. Rest in peace, Mike Cwayna, having completed everything God sent you here to do.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm at the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, WI and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1050 Keller Avenue, Amery, WI. Interment with Military honors will follow at the Amery Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery or American Legion in Amery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were made with the Williamson ~ White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery, Wisconsin.