Michael G. Deiters

Michael G. Deiters, 82, of Oostburg, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at his home.

Mike was born in Marinette Wisconsin and graduated from Marinette High School in 1960. In 2019, he was inducted into the Marinette Marines High School Athletic Hall of Fame having finished his high school career as the all-time leading scorer in Marinette Marine’s history. He received a scholarship from Carthage College where he started as a freshman player for one semester before transferring to UW-Oshkosh. He played basketball for UW-Oshkosh from 1962-1964 and was a member of the Wisconsin State University conference championship team and played in the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City.

During his junior year, he began officiating basketball at both high school and college levels. He officiated high school and college basketball for 20 years and was commissioner of the Bay Conference from 1984 to 1994. Because of his love and knowledge of the game, he also became a color analyst for UW-Green Bay men’s basketball and Lakeland University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Mike also loved collecting sports memorabilia, especially from his favorite teams; Red Sox, (some Brewers and older Milwaukee Braves) U.W. Badgers, and of course, Packers.

His early career in Human Resources was at Wisconsin Public Service. He went on to own his own business doing consulting work in Green Bay. From there, he moved to Wichita, KS to be the City of Wichita’s Employee Relations Officer and ended his professional career in 2011 as Madison, Wisconsin’s Labor Relations Director.

He loved public speaking, presenting at regional and national conventions and business meetings, and was a fantastic storyteller. His gift of storytelling led him to become an author and at 81 years old he wrote 2 books, RIM SHOT and CALL SOMETHING REF. Both of these books reflect Mike’s love of sports.

Mike is survived by his wife of 23 years, Dr. Deborah Bilzing; children, Erin, Jay, Kate, and Brett (Nicole); grandchildren, Calex, Saila, and Clara; sister, Sandy (Myrl) Child; dog, Fenway; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sara; parents; sisters, Connie (Richard) Armbrust and Laura Ellen “Pat” (Robert) Huffman.

A memorial service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 12:00pm. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of service.

Memorials are appreciated in Mike's name to Oostburg Athletic Association or Oostburg Christian School.

The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-467-3431) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for online condolences.