Michael Martin Feeney, 83, was peacefully called home by our Lord. He was surrounded by his children following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Michael was born to Joseph and Eleanor (Hagmann) Feeney in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. His early years were spent in Elk Mound, Wisconsin and he soon became a big brother to twelve siblings. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St Mary’s University in Winona Minnesota. During his studies there, he met Caroline Bill and they married in 1967. He later completed a bachelor in Foreign Trade at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix and a master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
Following their nuptials, the couple moved to Okinawa, Japan, where Mike served in the United States Army. It was in Okinawa that Mike and Caroline adopted their daughter, Kimberly, from Korea and their son, Eric, from Taiwan. After leaving the Army but continuing to work for the Department of Defense, Mike also established a small tax preparation business.
Soon an opportunity arose at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, where the family moved in the early 1970s. They purchased their first home and then built their dream house that remains “home” to this day. Shortly after moving into that home, Mike accepted a position in Germany, where their daughter, Laura, was born. The family enjoyed many years in Germany, travelling to various countries, attending Winter Olympic games and an audience with Pope John Paul II.
Upon returning to Ft. Huachuca, Mike and Caroline strengthened their commitment to the Catholic Church and remained active in the community for six more years before moving to Seoul, Korea. It was there that they became heavily involved in Cursillo, each serving as leaders for their respective weekend retreats. Seoul was their last international destination, and the couple returned to Arizona in the early 1990s.
To say that Mike was a man of faith is an understatement. His profound connection to Christ guided every aspect of his life. He was quietly generous to family, strangers and organizations large and small. He was keenly aware when others were hurting or struggling and gave his support without hesitation or recognition. He shared his faith freely with others and offered guidance without judgement. His charitable contributions were immeasurable, but he served others through St Andrew’s Church, VICaP, St Vincent de Paul, and the Salvation Army.
Mike loved photography, hiking, travel, computers and was an early adopter of the latest technology. While serious in his faith, his sense of humor was abundantly dry and corny, and he laughed freely. Among his greatest joys were watching silly comedy movies and standup specials. He had a second chance at love and was married to Joan Vesco of Sierra Vista until 2014.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife Caroline, his parents and his brother Ron. He is survived by his children: Kimberly, Eric, and Laura (Shane); grandchildren Madeleine, Hayden, and Sean; siblings Dan (Mary), Sister Ruth, John (Ann), Peggy, Paulette (Greg), Jerry (Jan), Joanne, Joe Jr. (Deb), Jean, Marion (Bob) and RoseMary (Mike) and dozens of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 800 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ, at 10:30 am on May 9, 2025. A second celebration will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 417 W Menomonie St, Elk Mound, WI, at a later date. Final interment will be at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Sierra Vista.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations to the Michael M Feeney Scholarship, St Mary’s University, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona MN 55987-1399, or the St. Andrew the Apostle Social Concerns, 800 Taylor Dr, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 or to any organization that speaks to your heart.
God created me to do Him some definite service. He committed some work to me that He had not committed to another. I had my mission. I may not have known it during my life, but I shall be told it in the next. I was a link in a chain, a bond of connections between people. He did not create me for naught. I tried to do good. I tried to do His work. I tried to make a difference and serve Him as He called me. Now my flesh has failed, but God was the God of my heart. I am with Him forever.
Mike was so kind and considerate. Even his teasing about my disasters was gentle ribbing. I so admired his personal strength facing the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Mike made the world a better place.
Our deepest condolences. He is finally reunited with Caroline, and forever with his Savior, Jesus.
Mike was such a loving presence with us in Korea. His faith was immense and now he is home with the the Lord. Love and sympathy to Mike’s family.
Mike was the oldest cousin, the family trailblazer and an international traveler with a most generous heart and wonderful stories. He was a favorite with the aunts and uncles and a big deal to all of us youngsters. He made us feel important and special at all times and ages.
He’s been called a “Class Act”, a Gentleman’s Gentleman” and a “Man of Faith” all true and all well deserved titles.
I believe when he died he heard “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!” That is his truest and best deserved title.
Eternal Rest Mike!!!!
Mike was more than a friend, he was my brother. I enjoyed all our moments together, we laughed alot and talked mostly about family and friends. His smile was contagious accompanied by his exceptional outlook on life. I am so fortunate to have known him. He will be missed. All my love to the family.
Mike was so kind and considerate. Even his teasing about my disasters was gentle ribbing. I so admired his personal strength facing the Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Mike made the world a better place.
Our deepest condolences. He is finally reunited with Caroline, and forever with his Savior, Jesus.
Mike was such a loving presence with us in Korea. His faith was immense and now he is home with the the Lord. Love and sympathy to Mike’s family.
Mike was the oldest cousin, the family trailblazer and an international traveler with a most generous heart and wonderful stories. He was a favorite with the aunts and uncles and a big deal to all of us youngsters. He made us feel important and special at all times and ages.
He’s been called a “Class Act”, a Gentleman’s Gentleman” and a “Man of Faith” all true and all well deserved titles.
I believe when he died he heard “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant!” That is his truest and best deserved title.
Eternal Rest Mike!!!!
Mike was more than a friend, he was my brother. I enjoyed all our moments together, we laughed alot and talked mostly about family and friends. His smile was contagious accompanied by his exceptional outlook on life. I am so fortunate to have known him. He will be missed. All my love to the family.