Michael "Mike" "Woody" Woodzicka

Michael “Mike” “Woody” Woodzicka passed away unexpectedly on January 20th in Little Chute, Wisconsin at the age of 57.

Mike was born in West Allis, Wisconsin on March 4th, 1967 to Judith and Gerald Woodzicka. He spent his early years in West Allis until his family later moved to Greenfield with his two younger sisters, Julie and Kim. Mike graduated from Whitnall High School in 1985 and continued his education at Milwaukee Area Technical College where he received a degree in Fire Science. He later continued his education and received his bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University and completed the Harvard University Trade Union Program.

Mike began his firefighting career with the Appleton Fire Department in 1989 as a Firefighter, and was later promoted to Lieutenant in 2002 and Captain in 2010. During his time as a firefighter, he was recognized for his extraordinary bravery and heroic actions in the line of duty, receiving the Life Saving Award twice. After 32 years of service, Mike retired from firefighting. Mike was an impassioned advocate for better benefits, resources, and working conditions for firefighters. He served on the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Executive Board for 20 years as a Board Member, State Vice President, and State President. He also represented local firefighters as President of the Appleton IAFF Local 257 labor union for nearly 20 years.

In addition to being a fearless firefighter and a natural leader, Mike was a proud father. Mike and Anita Rhone married in 1994, and had their first daughter, Emily, in 1999, followed by Lauren in 2000. His family shares fond memories of going camping every year and visiting National Parks together. When he wasn’t fishing, golfing, or attending union functions, he was likely telling his friends about his daughters’ accomplishments. Mike was a natural entertainer and loved to make other people laugh. He was a friend to all who met him, and he could always make people smile without even having to crack a joke.

Mike will be greatly missed by his daughters, Emily Woodzicka and Lauren Woodzicka; his mother, Judith Woodzicka; his sisters, Julie Woodzicka (Dave Pfaff) and Kim Burrow (Jeremiah Burrow); his nieces, Isabel Pfaff, Ali Pfaff, Mya Somers; his nephew Spencer Pfaff; his former spouse Anita Rhone; his companion Michele Micke; and the many friends who knew and loved him. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Woodzicka; and his grandparents, George Klicka, Stella Klicka, Arthur Woodzicka, and Coletta Woodzicka.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 5:00pm at Valley Funeral Home at 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911. Visitation will take place at the funeral home prior to the service from 2:00pm-5:00pm. A celebration of life will be held on the same day at 6:00pm at the Stone Toad Bar & Grill at 1109 Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54952.

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