Michael D. Maresh’s life was taken suddenly from a car accident on Monday, March 5th, 2018.
Mike was born October 8, 1949 to Charles and Shirley Sands. In later years, he took his step-father’s name, Maresh.
He was active in band and gymnastics at North High School winning State awards. He was a talented professional musician playing in several bands through the years. He was known as the Piano Man. He was married to Nancy Loken from 1970-1995 and had 2 wonderful sons, Jon and Eric. He had moved to New Auburn to be closer to Jon and his family. In later years, Mike would winter in Florida and Nevada.
He is survived by his sons Jon (Dawn), New Auburn; Eric (Leah), Grass Valley, CA; granddaughter Amber (apple of his eye); brother Tom, Utah; and many nieces and nephews; and his special friend Nancy Westmoreland.
He was preceded in death by his mother Shirley, father Charles, step-father Gordon, brothers Charles, Gary and sister Sherry.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for June 2nd at Sammy’s Pizza in Eau Claire.
Mike and I were on the gymnastics team together at North High. Mike was an incredibly talented athlete. We played many hours of music together as well at the Labor Temple and Pete’s 5th Avenue both in Eau Claire. I haven’t see Mike for years and am deeply sadden by his loss. My sincere condolences to his family.
I was Mike’s gymnastics coach at North High. Mike was a great talent, a quick learner, the best trampolinist ever, his entire set was made up of doubles. In tumbling, he did three consecutive back somersaults, I think he could have done more. On high bar he was a natural, he learned very fast and became one of the best in the state. I loved his smile and his attitude toward challenge, he was a great student-athlete. I am very sorry for the family’s loss.
We have listened to Mike’s musical talent and journey for so many years in so many places. He even showed up at our street dance here in Medford a few times. Whenever the phrase Piano Man comes up my thoughts remember Mike right away. He was always friendly and he will be missed by many.
Mike and I have been long time friends 60 plus years, in bands together, recorded together, school together and close knit thru the years. I have a lifetime of great memories of Mike and his former wife, Nancy Loken. I am truly saddened by his sudden death. My deepest condolences to his family.
Terry Modl……Kentucky
Great guy. Sang with him many times. Rest in peace Mike
Great guy. I sang with him many times in Eau
I met Mike when I was in college at UW-Eau Claire and his band Straight Shooter was in its infancy. He became a great friend and was like a brother to me throughout the years. I listened to his music and shared laughter with him at a variety of venues in West Central Wisconsin. He was a talented man who truly loved music. It has been over 10 years since I had last seen him and news of his accident was a terrible shock. May his family and friends find comfort in memories of this talented, caring, fun man.
I had just tried calling Mike today (1/29/19) and got a recorded message with a strange name. Fearing the worst, I goggled him and found he had died tragically. I had sung with Mike for many years when he played at Nye’s open mic in Minneapolis. The guy was an amazing accompanist; probably the best I had ever sung with. I could start singing a song that he had never heard before and he would instinctively know where I was going with it and be able to accompany me virtually flawlessly! He also had fine sense of humor and could work an audience. This notice of his death has left me truly saddened.