Michael "Captain" J. Wallschlaeger, age 83, died Friday, February 6, 2026 in Villa Marina Health and Rehab, Superior.

Michael was born in Milwaukee, WI to Walter and Shirley (Collier) Wallschlaeger on January 22, 1943. He would graduate from Columbus High School in Marshfield, WI in 1961 with a group of classmates that remained lifelong friends. Michael went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. He served 4 years on active duty as a naval officer.  Michael received the Navy Unit Citation Award as the Ships Operation officer while recovering a lost hydrogen bomb off Palomares, Spain in 1967. He was released from active duty as a Lieutenant in 1969 and he returned to Wisconsin.

Michael attended the University of Wisconsin Madison, earning a Master of Science and a PhD in Educational Administration in 1973. Dr. Wallschlaeger had an extensive career in Education. He served four years as a Elementary and Middle school teacher and Principal in Durand, WI; four years as Superintendent of Schools in Stevens Point Catholic Schools and six years as Superintendent of the former Ondossagon Public Schools on the outskirts of Ashland, WI. In 1987, he became an Associate Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Michael served as the chair of the Educational Administration, Business Education and Economics, and Human Performance and Health Program. He also served as the Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and was the Dean of Faculty from 1991-1993 and was promoted to full professor in 1993, retiring in 2005. Michael received many awards in Education including Outstanding Education Award from the Wisconsin Association or School District Administrators and was named A Wisconsin Idea Fellow by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in 2004.

He also served 34 years in the Naval Reserve as Commanding Officer of various units and retiring as a Navy Captain. Michael received the Secretary of the Navy Commendation medal for serving as a Commanding Officer of a Navy Special Forces Unit during anti-drug operations from 1991-1993.

His hobbies included sailing, reading, playing golf and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Geary; his nephew and Godson Christopher Michael and his uncle, Eugene.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene Peterson; his children, Michelle (Scott) Huhn of Bivins, TX, Amy Dietz of Ashland, WI; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Fred), Austin, Ayden, Matthew (Bridget), Abby (Wally), Michael James; great grandchildren, Owen, Finely and Violet; his siblings, Patrick (Jeanne) of Wausau, WI, Mary (Michael) Ladron of Plover, WI; nieces and nephews, Brian, Scott (Kayla), Michael, Julie, TJ and Tricia (Brad); Also by his first wife of 28 years and mother of his children, Florence Jean Wallschlaeger, who was a significant part of his life and whom he cared for dearly. And by his longtime caregiver, Jody Anttila.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 4315 E 3rd St. Superior, with Rev. Anthoni Reddy Yannam as Celebrant. Burial will be at a later date in the Northern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Columbus Catholic Schools, Marshfield, WI; The Salvation Army or St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Family would like to thank the caring staff of Villa Marina Health and Rehab and St. Luke Hospital.