Michael E. Osmolak, 70, of Burlington, passed away on Sept. 20, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, due to injuries from a tragic accident on Sept. 17, 2026, while on vacation. He was an organ donor, as he had wished. Mike had received a transplant 15 years ago and wanted to pay it forward and save lives.
Mike was born June 28, 1956, to Edward and Nancy (Poole) Osmolak in Chicago. He grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois, and graduated from Niles West High School. In 1975, he moved to Burlington. He met the love of his life, Alice Lois, in 1981, and they were married on Sept. 24, 1983.
Mike was employed at Nestlé in Burlington and retired in 2021 after 35 years. In retirement, his love of water activities led him to become a swimming and diving official for high school and college meets. He was a member of M.S.O.A. (Metro Swim Officials Association). For several years, he volunteered at the Special Olympics district swim competition.
Mike was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Admirals. He enjoyed going for walks with his wife, watching reruns of old TV crime shows, traveling, and being with family. He also loved listening to music, especially the band Chicago. In his lifetime, he traveled to all 50 states and several foreign countries. Mike had the gift of gab. We are sure many of you have heard his life story.
Survivors include his wife, Alice; sons, Jonathan (Cassidy) and Joseph; mother, Nancy; sister, Gale (Al) Ahrens; brother, Jeff (Debbi) Osmolak; brothers-in-law, Martin, Earl (Kathleen), Bernard, Ronald (Patricia), and Bert (JoAnn) Lois; and sisters-in-law, Ann (David) Ohlfs and Ruth (Timothy) Ehlen. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Edward; brother, David; parents-in-law, Melvin and Evelyn Lois; and sisters-in-law, Joan Lois and Susan Lois.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Oct. 1, 2026, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Integrity Celebration Center, 2789 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. The family will direct donations in Mike’s name to M.S.O.A. for scholarships, Donate Life Idaho, and Donate Life Wisconsin.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. For online condolences, please visit www.integrityfunerals.net