T Michael Bolger

T Michael "Mike" Bolger at the age of 78 on Thursday, November 29, 2018, after a brief illness with his beloved wife of 50 years Virginia “Ginny” (nee Empey) by his side. Mike was born on December 23, 1939, in Minocqua, Wisconsin where his Irish ancestors homesteaded in 1888. He graduated from Minocqua High School in 1957 and from Marquette University in 1961 where he was president of both student bodies. The eternal scholar, he received his B.A. in philosophy from Marquette University, his M.A. and Ph.L. degrees in Philosophy from St. Louis University, and his J.D. degree with honors from Northwestern University Law School. He began his legal career, joining the law firm of Quarles & Brady and becoming one of the nation’s leading authorities on health care law. After 20 years, he left Quarles & Brady to become the fifth president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. His 20-year tenure as president of MCW is the longest in its history. Under his leadership, the Medical College became one of the nation’s leading research institutions. His beloved wife of 50 years Virginia “Ginny” (nee Empey) was by his side. He was the proud father of John Michael (Kerry) Bolger and Jennifer Bolger (Enrique) Breceda and devoted and cherished grandfather of Michael, Conley and Charlie Bolger, and Faolan Breceda. He is also survived by his dear sister Bernadette Bolger and sisters-in-law Janet and Linda Bolger. He is now reunited in Heaven with his loving parents, Patrick and Mary (nee McConville) Bolger, and his three brothers Patrick, Victor and Andrew. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his large, Irish, closely knit family of nieces, nephews and many wonderful cousins.