It is with a heavy and broken heart that we are posting this as Mike's last Caringbridge journal entry. However, as Mike would have done, we would like to share a part of a devotional from October 9th. 

"I am a part of an even larger family -- my human family -- no matter our ethnicity or country of origin. We may practice different customs, speak different languages, and hold different points of view, but we are the same in our hearts' desires for peace, health, prosperity, and harmonious relationships. We are a divine family created and held in love... Any feeling of difference melts away in this time of sacred oneness. We are unified by a spirit of respect and compassion that reaches around the world."

We miss you. We love you. Until we see you again, watch over us.

Keep the Faith! 

Jill, Jada, Alex, Vanessa, Aubri and Michael 

P.S. There aren't words big enough to express our gratitude for the love and support showered upon us during this journey.

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Michael Blokhuis ‘Mike’ of Onalaska, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the age of 58 after putting up a rigorous fight with pancreatic cancer.

Mike was born in Sheboygan, WI to Peter and Tina (Stolker) Blokhuis. At age 10, he and his family moved to Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Mike met his wife, Jill (Winiarski) while attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. They’ve been happily married for 34 years.

Mike worked in law enforcement for 30+ years, retiring as a detective lieutenant from the La Crosse Police Department. He was a dedicated officer, exemplary mentor and a profound leader.

His selflessness, faith, modesty and charisma championed true kindness and made his presence a treasure to all. He fostered numerous special friendships which he held close to his heart. He was the ultimate friend a person could have.

Mike was the loving father of Alexander M. (Vanessa) of La Crosse, WI and Jada A. of Onalaska, WI. He loved them fiercely. His pride and joy was being called “Opa” by his two grandchildren, Aubri M. and Michael P. Blokhuis.

He was the cherished brother of Timothy J. Blokhuis (Sara), of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and sister Shari L. Berry (Joe), of Tomah, WI. Mike is further survived by his generous and wonderful mother-in- law, Margaret ‘Jane’ Winiarski of Watertown, WI; sister-in-laws, Lori (Joe) Naylor of Ixonia, WI and Jodi (Rick) Allard of Fort Atkinson, WI and 11 nieces and nephews.

We will miss him with all our hearts but happy he’s reunited with his parents and father in-law Ed Winiarski.

Funeral service will be Monday, October 23rd, at 2:00pm at First Free Church, Onalaska, WI. A visitation to precede the service from 11:00am-1:30pm. A private burial will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gundersen Medical Foundation- Oncology Fund, 1900 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601 or to your favorite charity.

Mike’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the Gundersen Health System Oncology and Hospice departments. Special thanks to Drs. Kurt Oettel, and Steve Schlack-Haerer and the countless others who treated Mike with love, dignity and respect. Their steadfast commitment to his care allowed Mike’s journey to be filled with strength, courage and grace.