Mickey Durmick, 70, of Hartland, WI, slipped peacefully into God's loving arms, at home with her husband by her side, on Friday Aug 20, 2021. Born on July 13, 1951, in La Crosse, WI; she was the daughter of the late Francis "Huck" and Margaret "Peggy" (Simons) Finn. Mickey graduated from Tremper High School in 1969, and UW-La Crosse in 1973. After graduation she was married to Robert Paterson and they shared 9 years together. On her birthday in 1985, she married Daniel "Dan" Durmick at Durwards Glen in Baraboo, WI. Mickey and Dan met at Miller Brewing Co. in Los Angeles, CA and their careers moved them all across the United States, but they always considered Wisconsin home. Mickey was an outstanding Human Resources Executive, renowned for her ability to develop high performing teams. She was especially proud of nurturing women to leadership positions in complex roles. She began her career with the YMCA in downtown Milwaukee and later joined Miller Brewing Co prior to settling in with Nestle USA. After 18 years with Nestle she retired as Executive Vice President and moved to her dream home in Hartland, WI. Mickey loved reading, cherished her kids and grandkids, and was known to dial in to the occasional Hallmark Movie. Until a few years ago she ran an executive coaching business helping up and coming Human Resource Professionals hone their skills. Through her wisdom, selflessness and enthusiasm, Mickey had a lifelong ability to bring out the best in people. Mostly, Mickey will be thought of for being the ultimate hostess, meticulously planning and preparing gatherings everywhere she and Dan lived. Mickey was an active member of St Charles Catholic Church and was very involved with Saint Vincent de Paul. Mickey is survived by her husband, Daniel J. Durmick of Hartland: her two children, David (Kari) Paterson of Delafield, WI, and Whitney Kay Durmick of Asheville, NC; two grandchildren, Finley Black and Norah Michelle Paterson; her mother’s brother, "Uncle" Larry (Edie) Simons of Mukwonago, WI; four siblings, Mary "Pat" (Gaye) Morse, Sue Ann Finn, Paul (Kathy) Finn and Therese 'Terri' Novy. She is further survived by Dan's four brothers, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and business associates whose lives were impacted by her nurturing professional skills. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Thomas Finn. A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday September 2, 2021, at 5:30 PM at St Charles Catholic Church, 313 Circle Drive, Hartland, WI 53029. A visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 PM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St Vincent de Paul Society at St Charles Parish would continue her legacy of always helping others.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144262-654-3533Visit & Sign Mickey’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Marikay Jung
September 2, 2021
I met Michelle on my first day at the Milwaukee Brewery, January 3, 1978. I am still in such a state of shock from learning of her death that I am having a hard time collecting my thoughts except to say that the hallmark of the Milwaukee Brewery Human Resources/Labor Relations Team is that we were a family. Those were the years of Miller’s incredible growth – we worked hard and, fortunately for our blood pressures, we laughed even harder as we fine-tuned our SNL senses of humor to help us keep perspective. Sometime after Michelle had transferred to LA, I had a business trip around her July birthday and suggested that she pick a restaurant where we could celebrate. Because the restaurant was closer to her home than my hotel, she suggested that I stay at her home and we’d go to the office together in the am. Sounded like a great idea until I learned that we’d have to leave her house by 5:30 am because of traffic. [In those days, I was “allergic” to early morning hours.] Michelle said, No worries, you can get ready in the car. In my life, I had never seen anything like it before or since -- every appliance (hair dryer, curling iron, electric rollers, etc.,) was adapted to plug-in to the car. So there we were, stopped bumper to bumper on a mega-multi-lane freeway with half of Orange County -- EVERYONE on that freeway was engaged in personal grooming -- one of the strangest sights I had ever seen. I’d look at the other cars and collapse into laughter because it was so bizarre to me. In her calm voice Michelle said, You know, mk, we have to stop laughing so we can get ready for work… Yes, Mother Superior, we must stay on task. : ) The eleven years I worked at MBC blessed my life in countless ways both during and since. Knowing Michelle is certainly among those blessings. Dan, I should not be extending my sympathies to you. If it is hard for me to wrap my brain around this, I cannot imagine what you are experiencing. I am so very sorry. David and Whitney you know your Mom is special. She loved you so much. Whenever Michelle talked about you, she exuded love and pride through the phone. Please know that each of you are and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.Marikay (mk) Jung
Tim Shirley
September 1, 2021
Mickey was one of my favorite people of all time. She was the one who hired me at Nestle and was my first boss there. We remained close throughout my 11.5 years there, even as she moved on to other assignments; in fact I always referred to her as my "work mom", which I think best sums up how I felt about her. She was always such a positive influence on everyone around her - I always loved her smile, her laugh, that wonderful lilting quality in her voice when she talked; she was a true joy. She also brought calm and perspective to any stressful situation; I always told her, "Whenever Mickey is around, it seems like everything is going to be OK." She was also a great source of genuine wisdom for me, helping me deal with some of my toughest personal and professional decisions. She was the best, and will be greatly missed by all of us whose lives she touched.-Tim Shirley
Angela D Green
September 1, 2021
I will be forever grateful to have had a piece of Mickey in my life. I am struggling to imagine a world without her physical presence. Nestle has afforded me so many opportunities but the most lasting are like the friendship I had with Mickey. I loved her warmth, compassion, calmness, smile and laugh! Any time I was with her or talked to her, my day felt instantly better. She will always be an inspiration to me on how to be a better person and to always show up with grace and kindness. Thank you, her family and loves, for sharing her with me. Angela Green
Kay Dreher
September 1, 2021
I met Mickey in 9th grade through our mutual friend Kathy Grosso. She was all excited about being part of the Queensmen Drum and Bugle Corps. She talked us into joining and we’ve shared our lives ever since. Endless memories….love her and will miss her always. Prayers for Dan, Dave ,Kari, Whitney and the rest of her family and friends .Kay
Brett Devine
September 1, 2021
Dear Dan,Whitney and DavidOur thoughts are with you. Mickey was a very special person and I always found her advice and suggestions excellent.What a wonderful person!Katie and Brett DevineChagrin Falls
Terry Hafner
August 29, 2021
My sympathy to all of Michelle's family. She certainly had a productive life and has left treasured memories with whose lives she has touched. Know that I am keeping each of you in my prayers during this difficult time.Terry Hafner
Edie Simons
August 29, 2021
Micky was the ultimate in planning and hosting parties. We will never forget all of those good times throughout the years of her life. She will surely be missed by many people. She was the top of the line when it comes to caring for others. May she now rest in peace. Larry and Edie Simons
MC Hoffman
August 26, 2021
I had the joy of being her neighbor for a while. She was an incredible bright spot in a not always bright world. I am a better person for having known her. The world truly has lost one of the good ones.
Tim Simons
August 26, 2021
We were very sad to learn of the passing of our cousin Mickey; we'd hoped and prayed for a full recovery. I have happy memories of the period when Mickey (and most of the Finn clan) lived in Southern California, and of gatherings at Mickey's house. Dan, David, Whitney and family-our sincere condolences for your loss.Carol and Tim Simons
Michael Holian
August 25, 2021
I am sadden to learn of the passing of Mickey. My condolences to her entire family. I worked with Mickey beginning in 1995 at Nestle Ice Cream until she retired from Nestle. No matter what was going on in any given day, Mickey was ALWAYS there to listen and offer a kind and encouraging word and thoughtful advice. Another “angel” in heaven smiling down on all those that she helped. God bless you Mickey, you will be missed!Mike Holian