Michael S. “Mike” Piekarski, 85, a Junction City native, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at The Larson House in Columbus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Columbus, with the Rev. Steve Kortendick officiating. Full military honors will follow. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Columbus.

Memorials may be directed to The Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank,
Columbus Community Hospital, The Larson House or the charity of one’s choice.

Jensen Funeral & Cremation in Columbus assisted with
arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.jensenfuneralandcremation.com.

Mr. Piekarski was born Dec. 26, 1930, in Junction City, a
son of the late August and Agnes (Wayerski) Piekarski. He was a 1948 graduate
of P.J. Jacobs High School.

He was a 1952 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point where he earned a degree in education.

After earning his degree, he served in the U.S. Army, instructing
troops stateside during the Korean War.

He taught in Hancock for a year before accepting his
lifelong career in Columbus, retiring from the district in 1993 after 39 years
as a science/math teacher and assistant principal.

He was married to Darlene Sobczak Nov. 20, 1954, in Mill
Creek in Portage County. She died Oct. 26, 2013.

He created woodworking decorative pieces for the St. Jerome’s
Sugar Plum Fair during the years.

They also spent time at their cottage in Hancock.

He was a 30-year active member and past secretary of the
Columbus Lions Club, where he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award in
1997. He and his wife were chosen the Columbus 4th of July Parade Grand
Marshalls, because of their volunteerism and service to the community.

Survivors include one daughter, Diane (David) Hintzmann,
Reeseville; two sons, Mark (Maggie Klein) and Todd (Connie), both of Columbus;
nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Ronald.