Obituaries

Michael James Checkalski departed this earth peacefully on February 19th, 2026 after a very courageous 16th month journey with Esophageal Cancer. He was surrounded by his family and friends and was 54 years young at his passing.

Mike will be remembered for his infectious smile, a huge heart filled with love for all, a true spirit of adventure, entrepreneurial heart “always thinking outside the box and looking for a good deal,” and being a man of deep and abiding faith, which followed him throughout his whole cancer journey. Mike was a faithful servant of Jesus, throughout his lifetime, and his example and love are forever our example to follow.  

Mike was born on September 30th, 1971 and raised by the best parents, Arnold & Phyllis Checkalski. He was the youngest of five children: Alan Checkalski, Tony (Christine) Checkalski, Kathy (Erich) Halberg, and Julie (Steve) Orf. Mike leaves behind the love of his life, Teresa Kay (Gorst) Checkalski , whom he was thrilled to marry on September 6th, 2009, with a wedding to remember! He leaves behind In laws, Tom & Nancy Gorst, as well as Keith Hagen (Traci), Steve Gorst, & Justin Gorst and other aunts and uncles and many cousins, etc. He was an uncle loved by all his nieces and nephews; Aharon (Becky) Halberg, Jacob (Rachel) Orf, Jordon (Libby) Orf, Moriah (Zeke) Pratt, Sarah (Austin) Lehman, Katie Orf, Allison (Matt) Fecteau, Rebekah Halberg, Johnathan Halberg, Brennan Checkalski, Olivia Checkalski, Connor Checkalski, Anya Checkalski, Elise Checkalski, Dillion Hagen, Dalton Hagen, Payton Gorst, Liam Gorst, Braelyn Gorst, Autumn Gorst & Eric Gorst.

Mike graduated from Turtle Lake High School In 1990 and made it a point to help plan the yearly class reunions. Mike’s love for others was profound, as even at a young age, as he always had a very sensitive and loving heart and went out of his way to show he cared.

As a devoted husband, he and Teresa were always up for a new adventure which they made FUN! They enjoyed many concerts, cruises, and time just hanging with family and friends over the years. Mike’s work ethic was unmatched. Throughout his lifetime, he held down many jobs, starting out delivering papers as a young teen and sold snacks out of his locker. He also worked at Becker’s SuperValu for many years, as well. He started his own DJ business and later he and Teresa owned multiple, successful businesses in the DJ/Photo Booth industry. Mike was always willing to help mentor others and teach them how to succeed in their own endeavors, but also was willing to learn and grow, too. He appreciated the encouragement and ideas he had along the way to push him further than he’d had dreamt of. Mike lived his life to the fullest extent and was grateful beyond words for the many opportunities that he was given by God over his lifetime, even if cut short at age 54 years.

Mike will be so missed!

As an uncle, Mike's unwavering support and dedication were a guiding light for his niece and nephews. His love for all of them will continue to inspire them, ensuring his legacy lives on.

As a friend, his illuminating spirit gathered the best of the best always. Never a dull moment when out with them.

For all of us that loved Mike, we will never stop loving you and remembering the life we shared with you...Lucky us, Knowing You!

In lieu of flowers, please honor Michael with a donation to St James Catholic Church of Eau Claire Wi. He would like to put the funds towards back cushions for some of the pews.

A Funeral Service will be Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St. James the Greater Catholic Church. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday and on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Rest Haven Cemetery. A remembrance gathering will be on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am at The Cresent.