Michael J. `Mike` Tentis
Michael J. `Mike` Tentis , Age 77
Michael J. “Mike” Tentis, age 77, a longtime resident of Poynette, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Oak Park Place in Baraboo.
Mike was born on August 3, 1947, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Adam and Rudah (Summerhalt) Tentis. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Winona State University in 1969. That same year, he began his teaching career as Band Director at Rushford Schools in Minnesota (1969–1972). He then returned to Wisconsin to lead the Ashland High School band (1972–1978), before settling into his longest tenure at Portage High School, where he served as Band Director for 26 years until his retirement in 2004—leaving, as he liked to say, “out the door in Two Thousand Four.”
After retiring, Mike continued sharing his love of music by directing the Dual County Community Band for over a decade. He brought joy to summer evenings with weekly concerts on the library lawn in Pardeeville, WI—complete with music, laughter, and his signature jokes. His family played alongside him, making music a multi-generational legacy. In a 2018 farewell message to the band, he quipped, “It is time for me to step down as your director. I have run out of jokes!”
Known affectionately by his students as “T,” Mike spent over 35 years inspiring young musicians. While jazz was his true passion, he poured his heart into every ensemble—from beginner bands (their concerts always conducted in a suit, out of respect) to halftime shows with his “best damn marching band.” Though he jokingly called himself the “Athletic Entertainment Director,” he took pride in excellence. And asked once how he kept his calm with the beginners, he simply said, “I hear the potential.”
As a musician, Mike played trumpet in countless groups over the years—polka bands, big bands, blues ensembles, circus bands, and more. Even after a Parkinson’s diagnosis affected his ability to play, he refused to give up. He exercised daily, practiced tai chi, adapted with a custom mouthpiece, practiced tenor sax to maintain dexterity of his left hand, and eventually passed on his knowledge—and love of the trumpet—to his grandson Charlie, who is now working on his masters in jazz trumpet performance at the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Mike fully embraced retirement. He loved the quirks of his dome-shaped home, the cooking of his beloved second wife Jeanne, and above all, his family. “Fatherhood,” he once said, “has been the greatest challenge and the greatest joy of my life.” He was a devoted and playful grandfather who shared music, laughter, and fishing trips with his grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He enjoyed long family days at Devil’s Lake, drinking grandson Henry’s specialty coffees, reading avidly, playing monthly poker, and “shootin’ the breeze” with friends, former colleagues, and students. “When you're a teacher, the students are kind of an unfinished product,” he reflected. “You never know what they’ll become. It’s neat to find out.”
Mike also had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures—craft beer, chocolate malts, gyros, candy malt balls, ribs, sushi, anything spicy or garlicky, and the company of those he loved. His sparkling blue eyes, sharp wit, warm humor, and gentle soul will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his daughter Megan (Glen) Watson; sons Jeremy (Bushra) Tentis and Corey Tentis; stepdaughter Sara (Ron) Adams; grandchildren Charlie and Henry Watson, Zahra, Zoha, and Zahid Tentis; step-grandchildren Evani Zonca, Marea, and Ezra Adams; siblings Tim Tentis and Amy McDonah; as well as many other relatives and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Kennon, in 1996; his second wife, Jeanne, in 2024; his stillborn daughter, Wendy; and his stepson, Noah.
Private family services will be held, with a gathering of friends at a later date to celebrate his life.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Bristol Hospice and Oak Park Place of Baraboo.
The family is being assisted by Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home.
Condolences
Greg Lang May 30, 2025
Friend colleague Reedsburg , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss Mike was a great guy and fun to play gigs with and work with in the music conference. Love to you all
Susan (Bauhs) Jensen May 30, 2025
Friends of Megan Merrimac , Wisconsin
Sending you all prayers and hugs in the loss of your Dad. He was such a wonderful band teacher. He touched so many students during his time teaching. Remember all the special memories that you shared together. Praying for the repose of his soul.
John Bauhs May 30, 2025
former student Savage , Minnesota
(PHS 82’) T was a really kind and fantastic teacher. He encouraged the best of us. I will always be grateful that I knew him. To his family and friends: I am sorry for your loss,
Bob Spargo May 30, 2025
Fellow musician and music teacher Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Condolences to the Tentis family. I always enjoyed working with Mike, either at conference music events or on gigs. He had a great sense of humor, and there are stories that I still tell. He will be missed.
Kelley Williams May 30, 2025
Friend/coworker Baraboo , Wisconsin
Megan, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending you big hugs.
Mary Arnold Gudmundson May 30, 2025
Student Rushford , Minnesota
My deepest sympathy to Mr. T's family. I am so grateful he was our band director during my teen years. Marching band was the highlight!
Laura Wirkkala May 30, 2025
Student Ashland , Wisconsin
T was the best band director I ever had. We had so much fun. Just today, Deb Belany Cline and I were driving along and talking about him. We had the best time in band having T as our director. Deb and Sue Milanowski played Trumpet and Sue always brought more laughter, especially playing off T.
Kristin (Thiemke) Cushing May 30, 2025
former student Palatine , Illinois
My condolences for your huge loss. "T" was such a big part of my high school experience - I can't imagine him not STILL teaching band. We all just loved him. I will pray for the entire family. Thank you for sharing him with us all of those years. PHS'86
Chris Wisner May 30, 2025
Former Student Ashland , Wisconsin
Thank you for love of music and the inspiration to me and all the students you taught over the years.
Don Frisk May 30, 2025
Former Student - PHS Class of ‘02 Eau Claire , Wisconsin
“T” instilled such a love in music in me at a time I was ready to give up playing. He was funny, tough, kind, brilliant, and amazing. He was such a wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend. Rest well, Mr Tentis.
Deb Kilbury Tobin May 30, 2025
Former student, Rushford, MN HS Madison , Wisconsin
My condolences to T's family. He was a wonderful teacher with the best sense of humor--especially during marching band. And how he put up with our old band room that was about 100° every day! He'll be missed.
Gay Lynn Wentworth May 30, 2025
Cousin of Jeanne Bradford , Pennsylvania
Meagan and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I had the pleasure of talking with him when we all were together with the Raffetto family. What a beautiful and gifted man he was! My cousin Jeanne loved Mike and you very much! May God bless you and your family! Sending love and hugs!
Deb Kilbury Tobin May 30, 2025
Former student, Rushford HS Madison , Wisconsin
My condolences to T's family. He was motivating, hilarious, and kind and made band and marching band the highlight of my HS years. He will be missed.
Lynn May 31, 2025
Fellow music teacher Baraboo , Wisconsin
I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved how you always talked about your dad Megan. He has passed on so much to so many. Hugs to you my friend and to your family.
Mary Kay Gursje May 31, 2025
Ashland band student..drummer Ashland , Wisconsin
I loved band with T...every one of us loved him! "Gurske...Grehn...out" was commonly heard..we always gave him a tiny bit of trouble...and we loved him dearly. Our band was fabulous with him as our director. Hugs to his family ...we often babysat there too. He'll be missed
Holly Powers May 31, 2025
Friend Pardeeville , Wisconsin
Mike and I have many great memories with your dad and Jeanne(and Kennon).May the wonderful memories you have with your dad comfort at this difficult time.
Anne Mcgill May 31, 2025
Student Lodi , Wisconsin
Who else would let you change from flute to a bassoon? Thanks T for allowing us to be ourselves and always trying to see the humor in day to day life. I was really proud to be in the band, you made us better than we ever dreamed.
Simon Masters May 31, 2025
Former Student (Portage High School) Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Deepest condolences to you and yours. I was lucky enough to have Mr. T as a teacher for all 4 years of high school, He made a big personal impact on so many people. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours.
Shawn Foley Geinopolos May 31, 2025
Portage Band Student New Berlin , Wisconsin
Certain teachers leave a special place in your heart. Mr Tentis was one of those. No matter the years, each time we met, I was immediately transported back to my teen years, and then was invited to be part of the Pardeeville Community Band. (My mom lived there at the time) Unfortunately, I hadn't kept up with my music, so I gave him my polite regrets;) For decades he addressed me by my full name and instrument. I was just remembering a conversation we had in Pardeeville several years ago, and I opened my phone to discover that he was gone. You all were so fortunate to have such a caring and compassionate model in your family and/or inner circle. He brought out the best in so many. May your memories and music keep you smiling. Peace
Paul Herman May 31, 2025
Former Portage Jazz band student Portage , Wisconsin
T I spent three years under your wing ....couldn't read a note of music but I had a good ear with the guitar will always remember your sense of humor and your love for your family you will always be remembered
Paul Herman May 31, 2025
PHS 82 Portage , Wisconsin
T I was under your wing for three years playing in jazz band couldn't read a note of music but I had a good ear for the guitar and you kept out secret lol I will forever remember your sense of humor and your love for your then growing family Rest in peace T
Blythe Gamble May 31, 2025
Former student Monona , Wisconsin
I will never forget “T”. He helped me believe in myself when I wasn’t sure if I could as a teenage girl with a tough life. He was so kind and just gently pushed to help us discover our true talents. I am the successful musician I am today because of him. Thank you Mr. Tentis. Meagan and Jeremy and all of his family: I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending you all light and love. He has touched and enriched so many lives. RIP
Connie Coron May 31, 2025
Former student PHS ‘81 Wautoma , Wisconsin
I have many fond memories of T - he directed concert band, pep band, marching band and jazz band. Always kind and supportive. He loved it when someone made a gyro run to Madison and brought one back for him. Prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Angela Dugan May 31, 2025
Former Student Class of 90 Fitchburg , Wisconsin
He was an awesome teacher! He will truly be missed by many! Thanks for the great memories T!
Nathan Davidson June 01, 2025
friend Grand Meadow , Minnesota
MIke came to Rushford the year a graduated. I had no intention of going to college even though music was my best area. He believed in me and set the "stage' for my musical future becoming a band director for 34 years! He created my interest in "jazz" and especially Woody Herman...another man who become my hero. We drank a few beers, played penny ante poker - and make a "hell of a lot of music and fun" i was so fortunate to visit with him shortly before he left us. His legacy will carry on simply because of who he was......May THE TRUMPETS HIGH C's blow on in his memory.
Ann Kent Effinger June 02, 2025
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
Heart-felt sympathy to Megan, Glen, Henry, & Charlie especially. The Heavenly orchestra has gained another devoted musician.
Michelle Commings June 02, 2025
student Lodi , Wisconsin
"T" will go down as one of the most beloved teachers in Portage High School history. He was kind, patient, funny and had all the respect of his students. He helped make such great memories of high school band! Wonderful mentor. My condolences to the family. Michelle Peterson Commings- Class of '82
Bill Dow June 02, 2025
Teacher at Portage High School back in the day. Mauston , Wisconsin
I remember his love of being somewhere warmer than Ashland. We enjoyed celebrating New Years with the Gribbles. Excellent musician. Outstanding educator. Resilient spirit. It was hard to hear of his passing. Grace and peace to his family.
Tom & Ruth Pederson June 03, 2025
Former Students-Rushford HS Cedar Rapids , Iowa
We are sorry to hear of Mr. T’s passing. Ruth and I loved playing in concert, marching, jazz and pep band with Mr. T at the helm. Not only did we learn, we had a blast too! He took the time to expose us to some of the best, driving several of his students to concerts/workshops with the likes of Buddy Rich and Stan Kenton. While we hadn’t seen him for many years, we’ve had many conversations about our wonderful experiences with Mr. T. Our condolences to his family. Respectfully, Tom & Ruth
Maurice Coder June 04, 2025
former student Portage , Wisconsin
He was my favorite teacher. I was a drummer. I was a 1986 graduate. He wrote me a letter of recommendation that got me a full music scholarship. He was kind & funny .He was there for me when my dad passed away in 1985. He was a great teacher & a great man .He wil truly be missed on this earth but very welcomed in heaven!Thanks T.
Elizabeth Eulberg June 05, 2025
Former Student PSH Class of 93 Portage , Wisconsin
When I think back on high school, I have so many amazing and fun memories that involve T. He was more than a band teacher, he created such an inviting and open space for students. The band room was like a second home. He was patience, kind, and made band fun. He will be missed. His family are in my thoughts.
Ross Cowing June 06, 2025
Colleague Middleton , Wisconsin
Condolences to your family. Mike and I played together in a quartet. I always appreciated Mike’s musical talent and his good humor!
Mary Kay Larson June 12, 2025
Former student Ashland , Wisconsin
I am so very sorry for your loss. "T" was not only an amazing Band Director/Teacher, but a kind and caring person that I considered a friend as an adult. The amount of dedication he put into his job not only showed on the field/stage/classroom, but in his interaction with his students. You will be deeply missed