Obituary
Michael “Mike” Louis Kendhammer
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Louis Kendhammer on Tuesday August 18th, 2026, at the age of 84.
Mike was born in La Crosse, WI on September 14th, 1941, to Frank and Alice Kendhammer. The schools he attended in La Crosse included St. Joseph’s Elementary and Aquinas High School where he graduated. After high school Mike entered the United States Airforce. He was proud to tell everyone he was able to fuel and work on the various jets and planes included in his duties as an airman. It was while stationed at Offutt Air Force base in Omaha, Nebraska, he met his wife, Eleanora Wyskowski. They were married in 1962 in Omaha and soon started a family after moving back to La Crosse, WI.
Mike worked at Howard Hoff Custom Auto Accessories, Ladsten’s Chevrolet in Blair, WI and Curly’s Chevrolet in West Salem, WI. He eventually became owner of Howard Hoff’s. Mike and the family then moved to Onalaska, WI where he enjoyed working on his lawn and raising his family.
Mike finally found himself handling parts for the “big rigs” at Mack Truck Center of La Crosse where he retired after 22 years. Mike enjoyed woodworking, working on cars, watching jets fly, occasionally fishing with his kids and grandkids and watching the Green Bay Packer games.
Mike is survived by his wife of 64 years Eleanor Kendhammer (Wyskowski), sister Ruth Lawrence and brother-in-law Dave Klawitter.
He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Alice Kendhammer, his sisters Barbara Starsky and Jane Klawitter, brothers-in-law Norman Lawrence and Jack Starsky.
Mike leaves behind many who loved him including his four children Lori Kendhammer, Dan Kendhammer (Deb), Sandra Jerue (Brian) and Scott Kendhammer. He also will be missed by his grandchildren Matthew Kendhammer, Johnathan Kendhammer (Jenni), Jared Jerue, Quintin Jerue, Ephrem Jerue and Samantha Kendhammer. He was blessed with two great grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Kendhammer. He was so proud of his grandkids and great-grand kids. His face would light up every time he would see them.
Mike will be so deeply missed by them all.
Visitation will be Tuesday August 25th, 2026, at Coulee Region Cremation 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday August 26th, 2026, Visitation at St. Elizabeth’s Church 515 N Main St Holmen, WI. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Funeral services to follow.
The family would like to thank all of the technicians, nurses and doctors at the Gundersen W.R. Yutuc Renal Dialysis Center Onalaska for their 7 years of care they gave Mike.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He and Ellie were neighbors of ours in Onalaska for many years. I also worked with Mike at La Crosse Truck Center. My most sincere sympathy is sent to Ellie and all of Mike’s family.
Our condolences to you and your family
Sorry for your loss and your family is in our prayers and thoughts.
Our condolences to all of Mike’s family! We truly cherish Mike and Ellie‘s friendship, and will miss him!
I was sorry to hear about Mike.He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face.My sincere sympathy to his family,
Mike was my dad Pete’s cousin. They both had motorcycles when I was real little. They had lots of fun tinkering with them at each other’s houses. I am super glad my sisters and I went to visit Mike and Ellie a few times beforehand. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Mike and Ellie are wonderful people and it is a blessing that we have them as friends. I will miss the times that Mike and I were able to get together and will be praying for their entire family in this time of loss and sorrow…
Mike was a good man and I enjoyed working with him at La Crosse Truck Center-Mack. He had many friends in the heavy truck business and I always will remember his positive attitude and his ability to track down hard to find parts for our customers. RIP Mike and May God Bless your surviving family members.
Ellie, Lori, Dan, Sandy, Scott and Family,
Our Deepest Sympathy to you on Mike’s passing. We have so many fond memories of you Ellie, Mike and the kids which are too numerous to count.
We always felt you were part of Our Family.
Please know our Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
With Love,
Janice Hoff, Carol and Ryan Molzahn
I, too, worked with Mike at the La Crosse Truck Center. Mike always had a smile on his face and relished locating “hard to find” parts for our valued customers! My most sincere condolences to your family. RIP, Mike!