Michael J. Rule

MikeFest (A Day to Honor Mike Rule)

Friends and family are invited to sojourn together to honor the life of Michael J. Rule on Sunday, August 15 from 3:00pm - 8:00 pm at Ottawa Lake State Recreation Area,

S59W36630 County Road ZZ, Dousman, WI  53118.

Mike did not want a traditional memorial service - he wanted there to be canoeing! This beautiful setting allows us to offer canoeing plus many other favorite Mike activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, storytelling, watching Four Finger Productions, a BBQ dinner, and more. Come prepared to participate! You are welcome to bring your own canoe, kayak or outdoor gear, but most everything you need will be provided. Bring your own sunscreen, bug spray, high hopes and walking sticks. 

Outline of events: 

3-5 p.m.  Activities 

5-6 p.m.  BBQ Dinner 

6-8 p.m.  Story Swap (Come with a story about Mike)

A few details:

A) Rain or shine – MikeFest will be ON!

B) At the entrance to the park, please stop at the Visitor Center to check in. All entrance fees have been paid for MikeFest participants.

C) After entering the park, turn left and stay left until Shelter C - our MikeFest headquarters. 

D) Join us for all day or any part of the day - we'd love to see you and hug you and remember Mike together with you.

Michael Rule, age 61, of Whitewater, WI was both a man of nature and force of nature, who lost his battle with ALS on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Mike was born on March 15, 1959 to Donald and Frances Rule in Chicago, IL. He was raised in Racine, WI and graduated from J.I. Case High School. Mike attended Winona State University and later earned his M.A. in Recreation Administration from Washington State University.

Mike’s passion in life was the outdoors, which garnered him the nickname “Mountain Mike.” He spent most of his career at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Mukwonago, WI where his gentle leadership influenced the lives of campers and staffers for decades. In the 70’s he was a counselor and Tripping Director, in the 80’s he was the Program Director and in the 90’s he became the Camp Director and Associate Director. He was also the Camp Director at Bluff Lake YMCA Camp in Big Bear, CA and YMCA Camp Benson in Mount Carroll, IL. Mike later returned to Phantom Lake as Executive Director and finished his career at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Mike had a kind and humble nature, a warm smile and a clever sense of humor. He was creative, playful, adventurous and had the gift of making everyone feel important. He loved sports, puns, filmmaking and telling a great campfire story. He loved Racine pizza and banana splits. He listened. He inspired all through his belief in them, his guidance, his loyalty, his example and his sense of wonder. His legacy is to remind us that one good person makes a genuine difference in every life they touch.

Mike shared his life and adventures with his loving wife of twenty-three years, Jenny (Brightbill) Rule. He was a passionate and dedicated father to their two sons Luke (18) and Josh (16). They spent many sojourns together hiking, biking, camping, kayaking and canoeing. Mike also coached and supported the boys through a variety of sports and was the self-appointed, wildly enthusiastic, statistician for their soccer teams.

Mike is also survived by his siblings Joe (Rhonda) of Phoenix, AZ and Dona of Chandler, AZ, beloved nieces and nephews and other treasured relatives. His love for them was steadfast and true. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Bill and Scott.

Mike will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Whitewater, WI in a small family ceremony. A celebration of Mike’s life will take place at a later, safer date. Please see www.olsen-gibson.com for updated memorial information.

With deep appreciation, the family thanks the staff of Agrace Hospice and the ALS Association of Wisconsin for their kindness, compassion and unyielding support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you go paddle a canoe, jump in a lake or find any other way to enjoy nature. If you absolutely must find a way to donate in Mike’s name, Jenny has created the Mountain Mike Memorial Fund. Donations will be used to put Aldo Leopold benches in beautiful places, fulfill camp wish lists and send kids to camp.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/mountain-mike-memorial-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael J. Rule, please visit our floral store.