Michael Kaiser

Michael Don Kaiser, age 70, of Medford, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 16, 2026-a day that will close the circle of a life well-lived, returning to the peace and serenity as he first entered the world.

A celebratory gathering will be held from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. The family encourages those attending to dress in your favorite flannel and/or hunting clothes and/or blue jeans.

Mike was born on August 22, 1955, the son of Donald and Marlene (Schmitt) Kaiser in Marshfield. He graduated from Colby High School. On September 30, 2001, Mike was united in marriage to Dawn Newman in Las Vegas, Nev.

As a young man, Mike worked at a local farmer’s farm and also at his Grandpa Kaiser’s gas station. As time went on, he went on the road to work for Felker Brothers. Mike then became employed through the City of Colby as the director of public works for many years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the Colby Fire Department for 28 years, including serving as assistant fire chief. Mike was also a member of the Colby Jaycees, Colby Trail Blazers and Rip Riders Snowmobile Clubs. He enjoyed snowmobiling, ATV riding, motorcycling, hunting and just enjoying time in the woods where nature gave him peace. Mike traveled to Mexico with Dawn for many years with their best friends where they created many memories.

Mike started his own landscaping business in Colby and named it “Lawn Pride.” When health problems arose and he could no longer continue as a landscaper, Mike and Dawn moved to Medford where they found a log cabin house on a small lake. He was surrounded with peace and quiet. Mike enjoyed sitting on the deck watching many deer and bear running through the property, the geese and mallards landing in the water or listening to the coyotes howling at night. One of Mike’s overall passions was being an avid hunter. He took a few trips to Colorado, including one where he shot a 6x6 bull elk. Mike had many years of good times, hunting stories and memories where he made with his son, grandsons, brothers and friends.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dawn; his son, Christopher (Maegan); his daughter, Courtney (Billy); stepson, Nathan (Amanda) and stepdaughter, Stephanie (Cassandra); seven grandchildren: Madelyn (Collin Schmit), John, Hayden, Gabriella, Zoe, Gracie and Oliver, and step-grandchildren: Olivia, Annalise, Lennox and Zealand. He is further survived by his mother, Marlene; five brothers and four sisters: Mark, Margo (Kim) Kalepp, Melinda (Hutch) Brahmer, Mitchell (Sara), Marty (Gwenn), Marijo (Peter) Danis, Marlin (Lorrie), Melissa (Barry) Christianson and Marshall (Anna); two aunts, an uncle, many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, his paternal grandparents: Andrew and Amanda Kaiser; his maternal grandmother, Genevieve Schmitt; his uncle, Jack Abney and and his aunt, Agnes “Aunie” Schmitt.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials to help defray the funeral expenses.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.