Thaddeus (Ted) Michalski

 Thaddeus (Ted) Michalski

July 3, 1943 to February 17, 2025

Thaddeus “Ted” Michalski, age 81, of Algoma, WI passed away on February 17, 2025 in Edina, MN with family by his side. 

Ted was born in Milwaukee, WI on July 3, 1943 and was named after the famous Polish Revolutionary War patriot, Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

Ted valued his special memories with his childhood friends from the South Side of Milwaukee. He attended Notre Dame High School and later received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, with a minor in history from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He was also a proud Charter Member of AKL (Alpha Kappa Lambda) Fraternity. 

After 4 years at UW-Eau Claire, Ted was drafted and obtained his Military Occupational Specialty as a military police officer at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He then served at Fort Meyer, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, he volunteered to be attached to the Armed Forces Police at the Washington Navy Yard, located in Washington D.C. [1966-1968].

Ted returned to Eau Claire and received his Master’s Degree in School Psychology from UW-Eau Claire while also serving on the Eau Claire Police Department as a patrolman [1970-1973].

After graduate school, Ted worked as a school psychologist for Cooperative Educational Service Agency #9 serving Wittenberg, Birnamwood, Elcho and Elderon School Districts and in the Algoma-Kewaunee School District for many years. He also worked as a stock broker in Wausau for several years in the 1980s. Ted retired from the Algoma-Kewaunee School District in 2007. 

Supplementing his work experience, he enjoyed 10 summers with the Bay Lakes Council, part of Scouting America. His leadership as the Program Director and Field Sports Director lasted from 1989-2000 at various Bay Lakes Council camps in north-eastern Wisconsin.

In his leisure time, Ted was an avid reader of history and political philosophy and enjoyed hunting, poker and casinos. He enjoyed many family times together each holiday and at Lake Kabetogama, MN along with annual reunions with his childhood friends and fraternity brothers with whom he held deep bonds

Ted is preceded by his parents Benon Michalski and Sewerina “Sylvia” Konieczka-Michalski, his siblings Marion Hintz, Helen Kowal, George Michalski, Betty Penkalski, Jerome Michalski and niece, Barbara Pelzak.

Ted is survived by his children Jeanine Brattebo (Craig), Joel Michalski and Kathryn Klaers (Michael Jahnl); grandchildren Benon and Owen Brattebo, former spouse Carolyn Michalski, and nieces Karen (Mike) Hintz and Judy (Gary) Szedziewski, Sharon Kowal, Wendi Blake, nephew Randy (Leah) Penkalski, nephew-in-law, Bob Pelzek and other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to long-term friend Vicki Vlies, good friends Ken and Kris Vlies, and many other loving friends and close neighbors for their support and love. 

A Celebration of Ted’s life will be held at Saint Adalbert Cemetery Chapel, 3901 S. 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221 on Saturday March 1, 2025. 

The visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Remembrances and Committal Prayers will be from 11:30 - 12:15 pm followed by a luncheon at Meyers Restaurant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Algoma Wellness Center c/o of the Algoma School District, 1715 Division Street, Algoma, WI 54201.

Cards of condolence can be sent to: The Michalski Family, 10202 Harmony Circle, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.