Elias "Mike" Michael Sanchez

Elias Michael Sanchez, “Mike”, age 76, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. He was born in Racine, September 27, 1948, the 6th of 8 children of the late Brigido and Estefana (Nee:Cabasos) Sanchez.

Mike graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1967” and furthered his education at U.W. Parkside. On September 9, 1978, in Racine he was united in marriage to Janet E. Sommer and they were blessed with 3 children. Marissa, Michael, and Stephan.

Mike retired from UPS where he worked as a package driver for 33 years. Rugby was Mike’s passion. He cofounded and played with the Racine-Kenosha Ruby Club for many years. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Following retirement, he and Janet tried to spent winters somewhere warm. For the past 8 years they spent winters in his favorite spot in Costa Rico where he became known as “The Mayor of Esterillos”. Mike will be remembered for his sense of humor and his contagious laughter. He was a master of the one liners and enjoyed laughing at his own jokes. Above all he treasured time spent with family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Janet; children, Marissa (Tanner) Foth, Michael (Lauren) Sanchez, Stephan Sanchez; 3 grandchildren, Isiah, Dominic, and Marley Watson; siblings, Bertha (Richie) Garibay, Mary Adeline (Nina) Garibay, Mercedes Dempsey, Rachel Placencia; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Albert Garibay, Mary Placenica, and Martin Sanchez.

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home, Sunday, June 8, 2025, 4 pm with Steve Scherer officiating. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the service 3-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorials to The Arc of Racine County have been suggested. https://www.thearcofracine.org/