Obituary
Michael “Mike” Schleppegrell
Michael (Mike) Schleppegrell, 81, of Onalaska WI, passed away on October 13, 2022. Michael was born September 30th, 1941, in St. Paul Minnesota. He grew up with his parents and his sisters Minneapolis. After graduating from high school in Minneapolis Mike joined the US Marine Corp.
In 1977 Mike married his beautiful bride, Marlene (Teeta) Mlsna. Together with his wife, Mike owned and operated Champion Auto in La Crosse for 40 years. Mike, Teeta and Champion Auto became a landmark of the north side of La Crosse until closing in 2014.
Mike was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and person who loved nothing more than to make other people laugh with his quirky sense of humor. He enjoyed puzzles, games and comedy shows on PBS like Red Green. Mike really liked to spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking, particularly cookies and music, especially Jazz.
Mike is survived by his wife Teeta, daughter Lynn (Dustin) Metzger, grandchildren Quinn and Saga, his sisters Patricia Fenstad, Penelope Anderson, Diana Quist and Tao (Michael) Schatz, and many nieces and nephews. Michael is preceded in death by his parents Anna Marie and James Schleppegrell. A celebration of life will be arranged at a future time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Mike and Teeta were a match made in Heaven… I knew Mike from the old Champion Auto days on Jay St……we also had a few together over at the P.J. Bar….he was a great guy and was definitely “old school.” God Bless Teeta,Mike and their family.
We will all have a little less laughter in our worlds but I see his smile and twinkly eyes in his grandchildren and know his spirit lives on. Mike was a well known personality to any blue color worker in La Crosse that had to wrench on their own cars. Big hugs to Teeta and Lynn.
mike was a wonderful person and boss i worked for mike in my teens and had a absolute blast. I grew up in the champion store and made many late-night stops in there to get that oddball part that they always seemed to have on hand. I was there so often and helped out even before i was officially hired. ill never forget teeta saying do you just want a job your always in here anyways. absolute wonderful family. so sorry to hear of mikes passing but his memory will live on in the hearts of many of us lacrosse locals.
Oh so sorry to hear this! I have fond memories of your family from my teenage years 🙂 Big hugs to Teeta and Lynn.
Melissa (Schaller) Borsheim
Teeta, you and Mike were always a joy to run into. He was a kind man with many interesting stories. My sincerest condolences to you, Teeta. Bette and Joe
Teeta Lyn and family Don and I send our deepest condolences to you we always had such fun times with you at Nob Hill And Wharf. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Teeta Lyn and family Don and I send our deepest condolences to you we always had such fun times with you at Nob Hill And Wharf. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Teeta and family – so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Many wonderful memories from Grumpy’s. Thoughts and prayers go out to all.