Michael A. Kilawee's Obituary
Michael Alan Kilawee (MAK), age 64, of Amherst, WI, passed away on September 21, 2025, surrounded by family, after a courageous seventeen-month battle with Glioblastoma. Born February 15, 1961, in Milwaukee to Patricia (Reitz) and Richard Kilawee, Michael grew up in Kaukauna and later Bancroft, graduating from Almond High School in 1979 with perfect attendance. He studied aviation mechanics at Black Hawk Technical College and went on to become both a certified aviation mechanic (A&P) and a pilot flight instructor (CFI). His lifelong passion for flying led to a 30-year career with CSA Air, flying FedEx cargo planes. He also managed an airport and served as a flight instructor along the way. While working in South Dakota, Michael met the love of his life, Lisa (Nelson). They married on Halloween in 1998 and welcomed their daughter, Rowen, in 1999.
Being a father was Michael's greatest joy—he never missed a game, recital, or family activity and volunteered in Rowen's classrooms. In 2014, the family returned to Wisconsin, settling in Amherst. Even while flying routes from Mosinee to Madison, Michael cherished being close to home and was thrilled to own his own plane and hangar in Stevens Point. Michael's other passion was motorcycles. He owned dozens of bikes over the years and rode daily, from spring through fall. Michael will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and devotion to family and friends. He was an admired colleague and friend to everyone who crossed his path. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughter, Rowen; Mother, Patricia; and sisters, Kathleen and Kelly (John) Everson. He is also survived by his Mother and father-in-law, Vic and Pam Nelson, Sister in-law Kimberly, and favorite Niece, Cassidy Vilhauer (Isiah), all of Sioux Falls, SD. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard.
In keeping with Michael's wishes, a celebration of life will be held from 2-6 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Central Waters Brewery in Amherst, where Mike and Lisa spent many happy times with friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bradley Schmidt and the medical teams at UnityPoint-Meriter Hospital. UW Health, Aspirus St. Michael’s, and the Aspirus Hospice staff for their care and compassion.
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