Michael "Mike" Vierzba

Michael "Mike" Paul Vierzba was born on January 12, 1948, in St. Cloud, Minnesota to LeRoy and Josephine (Knopik) Vierzba. After a brief illness with cancer, Mike passed peacefully on May 20, 2026 supported by the love of many friends and family.

Mike graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud before entering the United States Navy and beginning bootcamp in 1968. He was stationed in Misawa, Japan where he served the military until December of 1972. After his time in the Navy, Mike attended college at St. Cloud State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He remained committed to lifelong learning throughout his career, participating in many leadership conferences and professional development opportunities.

Mike's career took him to a variety of companies that were special to him. His professional life centered around a successful career in sales and marketing. Some of his ventures included his early years of selling tools for Ryobi in St. Cloud, later selling optical products for Vision Ease Lens in Minneapolis, and concluding his career in sales with the family-run business Volm Companies in Antigo.

The company and career that will always remain nearest to his heart were his years spent with Fiskars. Mike's career there allowed him to travel the world through international sales and business endeavors. He led many talented teams in shared projects across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Central America, Mexico, South America as well as North America. These experiences gave him invaluable opportunities that were never lost on him. Even more meaningful than the travel, however, were the lifelong friendships and bonds he created - relationships that endured faithfully through the very last days of his life.

Mike appreciated a wide variety of interests and hobbies. Travel brought him to many vibrant and far-reaching parts of the world, where he developed a great appreciation for different cultures, foods, art, and music. Yet when he returned home, he found equal joy in life's quieter and simpler moments.

He could often be found watching birds - especially hummingbirds - for hours at a time. He treasured peaceful moments spent sitting in nature and took interest in everything around him : rocks, tree varieties, landscapes, butterflies - anything with a story worth learning. Mike also enjoyed playing the piano and getting lost in a good book or movie. He loved photography and watching Formula One car races on a Sunday morning. Mike and Sandi discovered Key West early in their marriage which quickly became a special place to both of them where they have fond memories of beautiful sunsets and laid-back life.

A collector at heart, Mike found joy in gathering unique and meaningful items, many of which carried stories from his beloved travels. Above all, one of his favorite things was sitting around a table or campfire sharing stories with family and friends.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Sandi (Shafel) Vierzba of Florence. He is also survived by his children : Erik (Allie) Vierzba and their child Alex Vierzba; Michelle (Brian) Scott and their children Josie, Wyatt, and Evan Scott; Kristin (Andrew) LaRonge and their children Connor, Alex, and Mason LaRonge; and Seth Rauman. He is further survived by his siblings : Dave (Janice) Vierzba, Suzie (Steve) Zolecki, Paul Vierzba, Chris (Tom) Siegrist, and Steve Vierzba.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home in Antigo, Wisconsin. A visitation will be held from 11:00 - 2:00, with a service beginning at 2:00.

The family wishes to thank the entire medical and support staff of St. Mary's Hospital of Green Bay, the staff of the Florence Health Services, and his local medical support team through Marshfield Medical Center of Iron Mountain. Furthermore, the family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain and the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home of Antigo for their shared support and guidance during this time.

After living in Japan, Mike often repeated the Japanese word "maru," meaning circle or completion. He carried this word with him throughout his life, using it as a reminder that he knew where he began and where he would one day return.

In the days before he passed, he spoke of this powerful word once again and shared that he felt he had fully lived his circle-his "maru." He felt complete, grateful, and joyful for a life well lived.