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.