Michael Josef `Mike` Kriegl

Michael Josef Kriegl, 58, of Baraboo, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2025.   He was born October 12, 1966 in Oberammergau, a picturesque village in the Bavarian Alps in Germany to Sylvia Kriegl.  Sylvia and Michael moved to Baraboo in 1976 to help take care of Sylvia’s mother, Elizabeth Kriegl, who was battling cancer. 

Soon after coming to Baraboo, Mike joined the Baraboo Valley 4-H club where he made friends with the children in the neighborhood and learned about life in America.  The Jim and Eileen Cleveland family, the closest neighbors, were there for Mike in many ways in his younger years.   Like many boys his age, Mike was interested in cars, tractors, and hunting. He learned much about careful operation and maintenance of vehicles from Jim Cleveland and after completing hunter safety classes, Mike’s early opportunities to hunt were under the watchful eye of Jim Cleveland.

Mike attended elementary and high school in the Baraboo School system.  Some of Mike’s fondest memories of his high school years were being a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) one year before the retirement of Baraboo’s longtime FFA Advisor, Marvin Erdmann.   Mike, like his uncles, Josef and Tom Kriegl, benefited from the wisdom and kindness of Marvin Erdmann.   Mike often commented that the experiences he had in 4-H and FFA were instrumental in his future successes because they provided hands on educational experiences.  His continued appreciation for and support of FFA is evidenced by the recognition he received from the Winneconne, WI FFA chapter for contributions he made to that organization. 

Mike graduated from Baraboo High School in 1985.  His educational and career path ultimately led him to the food industry.  Mike spent over two decades as a franchisee with Culver’s, opening the first restaurant in Darboy, WI in 1999, with his wife at the time, Glenda Woosley, which they operated for 10 years.  He partnered in the Menomonie Culver’s for six years, and owned the Culver’s in Neenah, WI for 16 years.  

After retiring from Culvers in 2021, Mike engaged in many projects. Mike was a man with a big smile, a very big heart, and a strong work ethic who was always willing to help  family and friends with their projects. Mike was a perfectionist above all things, and that showed in the work he did. 

 His hobbies included bird hunting with his friends in the Fox Valley, hunting out west, fishing, snowmobiling, and biking.  He thoroughly enjoyed snow and water skiing when he was a younger man, always wanting to take it up again in the future. 

Mike is survived by his mother, Sylvia Kriegl, Baraboo; Uncles, Josef Kriegl, Redwood Falls, MN and Tom Kriegl, Baraboo; Aunt, Peggy Vitek (Jack), College Station, TX; several first and second cousins, and his former wife, Glenda Woosley.  Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Kriegl, as well as his beloved dog, Danika. 

He left behind a long, long list of friends, too many to mention but you know who you are and into what part of Mike’s life you fit.  He was more than a friend to so many, he was family.  We will miss him and hearing his favorite phrase, “You do you!”

Please join us in the celebration of Mike’s life on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home, 401 Madison Avenue, Baraboo, WI.  Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Service at 11:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mike’s name to the Baraboo FFA Alumni or the Sauk County 4-H Senior Leaders Association, or a charity organization of your choice. 

Fly High Mike.  We know you are finally at peace, playing fetch with Danika once again.  Until we meet again.