Michael David Bellesbach, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Marinuka Manor, in Galesville, WI.

After receiving a second cancer diagnosis, in late May of 2026, Michael found comfort in daily visits from family, close friends, and his beloved dog, “Buster Brown”.

Michael was born on November 2, 1953, to the late Richard and Dorothy Bellesbach of Eau Claire, WI. He was also preceded in death by his eldest brother, James Bellesbach; his nephew, Justin Bellesbach; and his niece, Jackie Arns; his grandparents, Basil and Evelyn Mathews and William and Helen Bellesbach.

After graduating from Memorial High School in 1971, Michael reunited in college with Cathleen Ann Fletcher, whom he had first met in junior high. They married on March 3, 1973, and welcomed their daughter, Danielle, in November 1974.

Michael served as financial director at Winona ORC Industries for more than 36 years. After living and working in the Winona, MN, area, he, and Cathleen made Hidden Walnut Ranch in Trempealeau, WI, their forever home in 1989. With Cathleen’s encouragement, Michael became a horseman; in his later years, he, and his horse, “Scotch Bart Time,” became champion showmen. Family camping trips, trail rides, and horse shows brought them great happiness and valuable life lessons.

Michael enjoyed spending time with his wife, daughter, three grandsons, extended family members, friends, and coworkers. His hobbies and talents such as antiquing, cooking, craftsmanship, dancing, decorating, sewing and his collection of vintage sports cars filled our lives with beauty, entertainment, and memories we will never forget. Michael will be fondly remembered for his beautiful Christmas decorations at the Victorian Ranch in Trempealeau, WI.

Michael is survived by his wife, of 53 years, Cathleen Bellesbach; daughter, Danielle Bellesbach (John Nichols), of La Crosse, WI; and three grandsons, Devin Bellesbach (Anja Mayer), of Trempealeau, WI, and Brennon Olson and Maysen Olson, of Onalaska, WI. Michael is also survived by his siblings, TerryLee Dodge, Susan and Thomas Brantner, Lori Tomczak, Lisa and Chester Goodman, and Mark and Linda Bellesbach, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews from northern Wisconsin.

A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at noon on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., one hour before the service.

A Happy Halloween costume party- Michael’s late mother’s favorite holiday- will follow from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Michael’s family encourages you to wear a family friendly costume and/or western attire, enjoy a light meal and lively music. Michael would not have it any other way.

At 3:00 p.m., guests will leave for burial at Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville, WI.
Michael’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to Gundersen Health System, BrightStar Care, Aveanna Home Healthcare, Marinuka Manor staff and the St. Croix Hospice Team for their excellent and loving care.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is in care of arrangements for Michael.
To share condolences with the family, please visit CouleeCremation.com.