Obituary: Michael R. DeCleene

Michael R. DeCleene, age 78, of Kaukauna, formerly of Brillion, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Mike was born on December 31, 1947 in De Pere, son of the late Raymond J. & Stella (Malewiski) DeCleene.  He was a graduate of De Pere East High School, class of 1965.  Mike enlisted and served our country in the United States Navy from 1966-1970.  He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Ribbon, and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat during his service.  Upon his return, he met Linda Borley, and the couple was married on May 3, 1975 at St. Phillip Catholic Church in Green Bay.  Mike was employed with various cheese factories throughout his career, his most recent before his retirement was with Morning Glory.  Mike was an avid sports fan; whether it was high school sports, Packers, Brewers, or Badgers, he was watching it.  In their younger years, Mike and Linda traveled all over the world to places abroad such as Australia and in the states such as Colorado, California, and Florida with their family.  When they weren’t traveling, they were spending time with their family and friends playing cards, having Poker Sundays, and just being together.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; their children: Amy (Shawn) Fischer and Paul DeCleene (Kristin Orlando); grandchildren: Mason, Trevor, Collin, Audrey, and Ike; siblings and in-laws: Sharon Turriff, Diane Biese, Jeanne Vandehey, Betty Borley, Sally (Mike) Kroll, Lila Hannon, and Wendy (Stuart) Vertz; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Norville and Mabel (Hendricks) Borley; and brothers-in-law: Pat Turriff, Jim Biese, and Dennis Borley.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Pielhop Funeral Home in Brillion.  Officiating will be Deacon Greg Van Thiel.  Military Rites will be accorded by the Becker, Bloedorn, Jensen Post 126 of Brillion.  Burial of his cremated remains will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Spring of 2026. 

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 p.m. (NOON) until 2:00 p.m. at Pielhop Funeral Home in Brillion.

Online condolences may be made:  www.pielhop.com

PLEASE NOTE: If you are wanting to send a memorial arrangement, plants or fake flowers are preferred for there are allergies in the family. Thank You.

Linda would like to extend a special thank you to the staff on the 8th floor at Bellin Emplify Hospital and to her children Amy and Paul for helping with Dad and helping make his final wish of passing at home possible.