Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Saturday 5/6,
12:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Saturday 5/6,
4:00 pm
Michelle Irene (Zupan) Gacek passed away peacefully at sunset with her family by her side on April 14th, 2023 at the young age of 55. She will be lovingly remembered by her soulmate and husband of nearly 27 years, Zbigniew “Henry”; her children Heather (Alex Lorenz), Matthew Zupan (Kaityln), Kazmira “Kassy” (Joe Buhmann), and Kayla,…
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Michelle Irene (Zupan) Gacek passed away peacefully at sunset with her family by her side on April 14th, 2023 at the young age of 55.
She will be lovingly remembered by her soulmate and husband of nearly 27 years, Zbigniew “Henry”; her children Heather (Alex Lorenz), Matthew Zupan (Kaityln), Kazmira “Kassy” (Joe Buhmann), and Kayla, as well as her father Kenneth Zupan and her bonus mother, Barbara Zupan. She was a beloved Nana to grandsons: Graysen, Wyatt, Carsen “CJ”, Asher, and Ayden. She is survived by her sister Wendy (Charles Davis), Kathleen “Kathy” Antoniewicz, Wendy (Thomas Rarick), and brother, Michael Saelens; sister-in-law, Zaneta (Mike Kaniewski); along with numerous relatives and friends.
She was preceded by her mother, Evelyn (Taylor) Zupan, and her bonus father, Chester Antoniewicz.
Michelle was brought into the world at 10:19 am on October 16th, 1967. Her first moments took place at 5914 N. 66th St., Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee. She was welcomed by her adoring mother, Evelyn, and father, Kenneth Zupan. She grew to be a lover of reading and an expert in caring for others. Life took her through many adventures and allowed her to become a jack of all trades. She was especially skilled in sewing, crocheting, writing, baking, crafting, painting, problem-solving, and rehabbing things with her husband. She recalled learning how to do so from her father. She gained experience through her jobs as a pizza maker at Balistreri’s Pizza, a CNA at Mitchell Manner, Linden Grove, and many more; a phlebotomist for Dr. Toth’s Spring City, a lab manager at Dr. Muth’s Serenity Health Care, a paint specialist at Home Depot, a nanny for the Breckenridge’s, and an owner of The Picky Picky Resale Shop and Waukesha Evolution. Michelle knew a lot about compassion and dignity, even from a very young age. Even on her own time, she would stay with her patients who were passing alone without family and hold their hand and talk to them, making sure to comfort them in their final moments of life so that they would not leave this world on their own.
This care transferred to her family and loved ones, which every one of us was so lucky to receive for so many beautiful years. She was never fearful of telling anyone how much she loved and cared about them, and when she would say it, people could feel how close to her heart they were. Though she was the best friend anyone could ask for, she put nothing above her children and was the most loving mother and wife. She was also a lover of animals, especially her sun conure, Carlos, as well as her dogs gifted to her by Henry, Sarah Jane and Sketch. With all these pieces, she was still a mother above all. Her greatest accomplishment was having a long marriage and an everlasting love and respect for each other, as well as raising her children into the people they are today. Michelle loved taking part in her children’s lives and even led Kayla’s group of Brownies with her friend and neighbor Sherry and her daughter Kassy. She remained involved in supporting her children’s activities by doing things such as their makeup and hair for dance recitals (especially for Heather and Kassy) as well as Kayla in Drama Club. She also made sure to be there cheering them on at sports activities, such as Matt when he played t-ball and ran track and field. No matter the activity, she embraced her children and never forgot to remind them how proud she was or how much she loved them. Her pride for them was so deep that it allowed her to feel their every emotion, both the good and the bad. This love was extended to her grandchildren, Graysen, Wyatt, CJ, Asher, and Ayden. Even when she was sick and in pain, every ounce of love and happiness glimmered in her eyes when her grandbabies walked in the door. Only someone who can really love has that sparkle. This love for her grandbabies is eternal. Michelle’s loving, nurturing, and creative mind touched all of those around her and will live on through her family and friends’ expressions of art and affection for those around them.
Michelle’s Celebration of Life will be held on May 6th, 2023. Visitation and services will take place at Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services at 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53072. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:45 pm, followed by a service beginning at 4:00 pm.
Please feel free to post pictures and videos on this website and bring a story to share if you would like.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to ProHealth Care’s Dr. Hake and the rest of his team for their care and compassion during her cancer treatment, as well as for making it possible to have as many beautiful memories as we could all have with her.
Hector Becerra
left a message on May 6, 2023:
Michelle had the soul and spirit of no other. She always had a smile and gave everyone around her a reason to smile with her.
Francesca & Alan Cabrera
left a message on May 6, 2023:
Our deepest condolences to your family over this loss. Many thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️ We love you guys!
Claire Zellner
left a message on May 5, 2023:
Kathy and family, so sorry for your loss. Kathy talked alot about family being important. My condolences.
Pam & Giles Hargrove
left a message on May 5, 2023:
Our hearts go out to you as you mourn a life lost way too soon. May you find comfort that Michelle is free from pain and that when you see her again her smile will be big and bright. She will always live on in your hearts through the memories and talents she has passed onto each of you. Our love and prayers as you navigate the coming weeks ahead.
Love, Pam and Giles
Heather, Alex and Wyatt
left a message on May 3, 2023:
In memory of Michelle
Irene
Gacek, Heather, Alex and Wyatt lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sandy Barry
left a message on May 2, 2023:
In memory of Michelle
Irene
Gacek, Sandy Barry lit a candle
Carrie Mueller and Family
left a message on April 30, 2023:
Memories will hold dear of you and Elizabeth and your family. Prayers for all of you. Kassy your Mom was so sweet and she will live on forever in you. Sending Hugs. I am always here for you 🙏🏻💞🕊️
Heather
left a message on April 26, 2023:
Mama, I miss you and love you so much. This is so unfair. I will make sure your grandbabies know how much you loved them 💜 you were truly the best Mama and Nana in the whole world. I can’t imagine life without you. This just doesn’t feel real still.
David and Mary Lorenz
left a message on April 22, 2023:
We are so sorry for your families loss. We we have had Michelle in our lives for a little while, we will her hold in our hearts forever.
Carrie Mueller
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle I truly cherish the moments we had with our girls growing up together. You are watching over all of us especially those grand babies. You will forever be missed and until we all get to be together again some day 🙏🏻🥲💞
Ember Lushine
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle you will be miss by all. My love & prayers for you & your beautiful family.
Lucas and Alexis
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle was always such a light every time we saw her 💜 were going to miss her laugh so much
Wendy Rarick
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Rest in Heavenly Peace My Sweet Sister!
Tami Wittliff
left a message on April 21, 2023:
What an absolutely beautiful glimpse at the life, your wife and mom lived. She surely did show her love to and for every one - any time i'd see her, she was always, i mean, always smiling and laughing. God definitely took one of bests... My heart goes out to you all, may one day peace and memories bring you some relief. Love, Tami
Thomas Rarick
left a message on April 21, 2023:
I will really miss you pretty lady.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Hector Becerra
left a message on May 6, 2023:
Michelle had the soul and spirit of no other. She always had a smile and gave everyone around her a reason to smile with her.
Francesca & Alan Cabrera
left a message on May 6, 2023:
Our deepest condolences to your family over this loss. Many thoughts and prayers are with you all. ❤️ We love you guys!
Claire Zellner
left a message on May 5, 2023:
Kathy and family, so sorry for your loss. Kathy talked alot about family being important. My condolences.
Pam & Giles Hargrove
left a message on May 5, 2023:
Our hearts go out to you as you mourn a life lost way too soon. May you find comfort that Michelle is free from pain and that when you see her again her smile will be big and bright. She will always live on in your hearts through the memories and talents she has passed onto each of you. Our love and prayers as you navigate the coming weeks ahead.
Love, Pam and Giles
Heather, Alex and Wyatt
left a message on May 3, 2023:
In memory of Michelle
Irene
Gacek, Heather, Alex and Wyatt lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sandy Barry
left a message on May 2, 2023:
In memory of Michelle
Irene
Gacek, Sandy Barry lit a candle
Carrie Mueller and Family
left a message on April 30, 2023:
Memories will hold dear of you and Elizabeth and your family. Prayers for all of you. Kassy your Mom was so sweet and she will live on forever in you. Sending Hugs. I am always here for you 🙏🏻💞🕊️
Heather
left a message on April 26, 2023:
Mama, I miss you and love you so much. This is so unfair. I will make sure your grandbabies know how much you loved them 💜 you were truly the best Mama and Nana in the whole world. I can’t imagine life without you. This just doesn’t feel real still.
David and Mary Lorenz
left a message on April 22, 2023:
We are so sorry for your families loss. We we have had Michelle in our lives for a little while, we will her hold in our hearts forever.
Carrie Mueller
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle I truly cherish the moments we had with our girls growing up together. You are watching over all of us especially those grand babies. You will forever be missed and until we all get to be together again some day 🙏🏻🥲💞
Ember Lushine
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle you will be miss by all. My love & prayers for you & your beautiful family.
Lucas and Alexis
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Michelle was always such a light every time we saw her 💜 were going to miss her laugh so much
Wendy Rarick
left a message on April 21, 2023:
Rest in Heavenly Peace My Sweet Sister!
Tami Wittliff
left a message on April 21, 2023:
What an absolutely beautiful glimpse at the life, your wife and mom lived. She surely did show her love to and for every one - any time i'd see her, she was always, i mean, always smiling and laughing. God definitely took one of bests... My heart goes out to you all, may one day peace and memories bring you some relief. Love, Tami
Thomas Rarick
left a message on April 21, 2023:
I will really miss you pretty lady.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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