Michael James Mooney

Michael James Mooney, 56, of 4129 E. 4th Street, Superior, passed away Friday, January 16, following a lengthy illness. He was born September 23, 1958, in Superior, to James and Jeanne Mooney, and was a life-long resident.

During his boyhood he was known affectionately as “Mickey.” Once, a childhood friend mis-heard a commercial advertising Mickey Rooney as a guest on the Ed Sullivan Show and then ran through the neighborhood excitedly broadcasting Mickey Mooney as Ed’s special guest.


Mike’s popularity was genuine, Ed Sullivan or not, and it followed him well into adulthood, both in Itasca and in an ever-widening community of friends. Some would make sure to stop in at ICO, where Mike worked for nearly 30 years, just to hear what he had to say. Some wanted to enjoy his remarkable sense of humor and stopped by for a smile and a laugh.

Mike was an avid Packers fan, rooting for the likes of Brett Favre and his new favorite, Aaron Rodgers. He reveled in their Super Bowl XLV victory and had high hopes for XLIX. Late in life he took an interest in fishing, and owned a camper at Wildwood Campground, Iron River, where he enjoyed the outdoors and a cherished group of camping neighbors. He was known for taking family and friends around Peterson Lake on his pontoon boat at extremely slow speeds. According to Mike, this made the lake seem bigger.

He had a passion for vehicles, both life-size and model, and was as devoted to his four-wheelers as to his radio-controlled cars which he raced as a member of the Lake Superior R/C Car Club. He was also an ardent NASCAR fan.

Mike was lighthearted and never let his illness dampen his quick wit and cheerful demeanor. Though his passing is heartbreaking, his memory will be that much sweeter.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Jeanne Mooney, and all grandparents.


A beloved brother, he is survived by two sisters, Mary (Steve) Ansell of Rock Creek, MN, and Jill (Dwight) Wait of Duluth and a brother, Dr. Patrick (Cora Lee) Mooney of Cleveland, Ohio. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many close, dear friends in the Twin Ports and at the Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center, in Chippewa Falls, where he passed away.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 22, 2015 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Superior, WI, and continue until the 11:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Leon Flaherty, as celebrant.

Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chad Pink, Scott Pink, Tom Pink, Sean Fisher, Ian Mooney, Steve Ansell and Dwight Wait.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th Street, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit our web site at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.