Michael John “Da Big Guy” Enk lived a life filled with laughter, spirited conversations, and, above all, love for his family. He passed peacefully on July 24, 2026, with his beloved wife of 58 years, Kathy, by his side.

Born on December 27, 1943, to Benedict and Irene Enk on the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mike grew into the kind of man everyone wanted around the table. Whether sharing stories over breakfast, debating just about anything, posting the perfect Facebook meme, tackling the daily Wordle, or making everyone laugh with his quick wit, he had a gift for bringing people together.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era before building a long career with General Motors as a machinist and tool and die maker. Mike was a devoted member of the United Auto Workers Local 1853 and took great pride in both his work and the friendships he made throughout his career.

More than anything, Mike loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Steven (Holly) Enk, Jennifer “Jen” Enk, and Theresa (Nick) Fesinstine. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Braeden Schimpf, his “ride or die” breakfast buddy, Nick (Abbie Mae) Enk, and his newest title, Great Grandpa to Arthur Enk.

Braeden recently described his grandfather in three words: optimistic, caring, and funny. Those simple words perfectly capture the man so many knew and loved.

Mike is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Jeri) Enk and Gordon (Elise) Enk; his sister Kathy (Robert) Lewan; his in-laws Patricia Dost, Tom Dost, and Barbara (Raul) Lopez; his many nieces and nephews, including Terry (Amy) Enk, Christopher Enk, Todd Lewan, Timothy Lewan, Troy (Nikki) Lewan, Christine (Mike) Clemens, Erika (Kevin) Rak, Becca (David) Arpin, and Allison (Nolan) Crews. He also leaves behind lifelong friends Mike (Wanda) Roth, Dale Olsen, Thayne Brown, Carl and Sue Holmgren, along with many extended family members and dear friends who became family over the years.

When he wasn’t spending time with family, Mike could often be found golfing, fishing, solving crosswords, or enjoying a spirited debate. His happy places were on the lakes of Lac du Flambeau in northern Wisconsin hoping to catch “the big one,” on the golf course chasing one more great round, enjoying a Friday fish fry with an Old Fashioned, stopping for Leon’s Frozen Custard, or sharing breakfast at The Awful Waffle with Braeden.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paul Perryman, Dr. Borke, Chris Arnold, and the extraordinary team at NHC Transitional Care. Their compassion, patience, and kindness was much appreciated during Mike’s stay. 

Mike’s legacy isn’t measured in accomplishments alone. It lives on in the stories that will be told around family dinners, every hearty laugh, every lively debate, and every reminder to enjoy the people sitting around your table.

A private celebration of Mike’s remarkable life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mike’s name to a charity that has made a difference in your own life or in the life of someone you love.

Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the Enk family.   Condolences may be shared at williamsfh.com