Michael Aniol

In Loving Memory of Michael Arthur Aniol

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Michael A. Aniol passed away on October 10, 2026, with loved ones by his side. Mike was born on September 5, 1950 in Chicago, IL, to the late Richard and Joan Aniol.

As a young child in second grade, Mike's teachers were adamant on bumping him up one grade level, but his mother refused, as his older brother Jim was in that grade. So the school enrolled him in French class, which he continued all the way through high school. He was also enrolled in Spanish as well. Mike graduated from Thornridge High School with the class of 1968.

While growing up in Chicago, his Grandma and Grandpa Aniol's house shared their backyard. Grandma Aniol was a sweet woman who fully loved Jehovah God. She taught Mike many things about the Paradise to come. Mike was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses at the age of 12. He was a very zealous young man who loved to talk to others about Jehovah's many promises from the Bible. 

In 1969, at an international convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, Mike was approached by another delegate with an inivitation to move to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He accepted that invitation, traded his '68' Barracuda with his dad, for his parents older Plymouth Fury, and moved to Wisconsin. His volunteer ministry would take him to Beaver Dam, where he ultimately met his future wife Debie, who also attended that convention, and in-fact, was a member of the Beaver Dam congregation. 

Mike and Debie were married on April 17, 1971. For 55 years, together they built a lifetime of memories, weathered life's challenges, and shared a bond that will forever remain a treasured part of their family's story.

Mike was a hardworking and dedicated businessman who took pride in their janitorial company, employing many of his faithful brothers and sisters over the years. Yet, beyond his work, his greatest devotion was to Jehovah God. His faith was not simply something he believed in; it was something he lived every day. He continiously looked for opportunities to share the Bible's message, to teach others, and to offer the hope and comfort found in the scriptures. 

His dedication to Jehovah was so profound that he even learned Chinese to help share his love for God with others. This extraordinary effort reflected his sincere desire to reach people, to serve others, and share the faith that meant so much to him. 

In the final chapter of Mike's life, he faced a heartbreaking diagnosis of aggressive malignant bone cancer. Within just three months of learning of his illness, he passed away after facing difficult challenges and uncertainty. Although his final months brought hardship, they do not define his life. Rather, they remind us how precious time is and how deeply the moments we share, the relationships we build, and the memories we create matter. Mike's life was so much more than the illness that took him from his family; it was a lifetime of love, faith, hard-work, generosity and meaninful connections that will continue to live on in the hearts of all those that knew him. 

Mike will also be remembered by his lighthearted spirit and unmistakable dad jokes. He had a way of bringing humor into every day moments; and his jokes, laughter and familiar personality will be deeply missed. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Debie; his four children, Bethany Kohler (Nick), Caron Soriano, Christopher Aniol (Lori), Benjamin Aniol (Amanda) and his beloved grandchildren; Wilson (Jaky), Jade, Scarlett, Jaimen, Gavin, Bella, and Stanley. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. 

He is also survived by his older Brother, James Aniol (Karen), his younger Sister Gail Bryant (Tim), his Brothers-in-Law; Jon Fennema and Jake Fennema, his Sister-in-Law, Ella Fennema. 

Along with his parents, Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents; Stanley and Helen Aniol and John and Gertrude Brink; Mother-in-Law, Stella Fennema, Sisters-in-law, Sheila Aniol, Linda Fennema and Judy Fennema. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Engel and his team at ThedaCare Oncology in Appleton, Dr. Wooldridge and his orthopedic team at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Renees Nursing home and Cherry Meadows hospice staff in Appleton, whom all provided Mike with such compassionate care and comfort during his final chapter of life. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and dedication you showed our family when it was needed most. 

Though his passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family and friends, the love he gave, the faith he shared, the lessons he taught, and the laughter he brought will never be forgotten. His devotion to Jehovah, his love for his family, and his generous spirit remain an enduring part of his legacy.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Visitation is from 12:30 - 2 PM.

Funeral Service at 2 PM

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

1209 W Winneconne Ave.

Neenah, Wis 54956

Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 828 9984 0743

Passcode: 877699