Michael Allen Koran

Koran, Michael Allen of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 65. Born Clyde Johnson on the Menominee Indian reservation, he was then cared for by his foster parents, Howard and Eleanor Brenneke, who made a lasting impact on “Tony” (Mike) at such a young age. Mike was adopted by Allen and Jacqueline Koran, who provided a loving home and great family for Mike to grow up in Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Growing up, Mike enjoyed being active and was a good athlete. He took up wrestling and football in high school and won the MVP award in wrestling at the 138 lb weight class. He went on to attend Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, and wrestled there as well. He was also a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying microbiology. Michael was married to Lori Peterson and had 3 beloved daughters. Later in life, he met Sandra Rivera Ozuna and went on to have 3 more beautiful children.

Michael worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and also went on to own a couple of his own businesses; Cleanwater Consulting, which he ran with his daughter, Keshena, and Awaehsaeh Landscaping. To stay active in his adulthood, Mike enjoyed riding his bike around Lake Mendota and to work. He also enjoyed running for fun and taking part in many different 5K races. Mike loved cooking on the grill for his family, visiting his family, and reconnecting with his Menominee Indian Tribe. He took great pride in being able to share the customs and traditions of his tribe with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers; though he cheered harder for his children’s success than for any other sports team.

Mike is survived by his 6 children: Keshena Koran, Dannielle Koran, Sarah Koran, Lucas Koran, Cheyanne Koran, and Reyna Koran; loving mother, Jacqueline Koran; siblings: Tim Koran (Julie), Matt Koran (Sue), Chris Koran (Tammy), Shannon Guenther (Dan), Jayne Nacotee, Evie Nacotee, Rosie “Gun” Madosh, Merlynn Nacotee, Darrell “Rich” Nacotee, and Rose Johnson; many nieces and nephews, especially Kacey Nacotee; and grandchildren: Cole Hazlett, Devin Hazlett, Sophia Hazlett, Mya Graves-Koran, and Joey Frisch.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Koran; foster parents, Howard and Eleanor Brenneke; biological parents, Mitchell Nacotee and Maureen Long; grandson, Duane Thomas, Jr.; brothers: Dennis, Tom, and Gerald Nacotee; special brothers, James and Charles Brenneke; and Tiger.

The family would like to graciously thank the healthcare providers, nursing staff at Belmont Nursing home, and Heartland Hospice, who all cared for Michael.

Services will be held at a later date.