Michael Leroy Cockroft, age 74 passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024.  He was born on February 26, 1950 at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison the son of Leroy and Lenore (Judd) Cockroft.  Mike grew up in Belleville and attended Belleville Schools.  Mike married Arlene Johns and they later divorced.  On September 18, 1981 he was united in marriage to Geraldine Henning in Freeport, IL, she preceded him in death in 1999.  Later Mike met Jeannie Coldiron and they were a couple for over twenty years.  Mike had farmed, drove truck, hauled milk, and ran an excavating business during his life.  He always had a passion for raising animals and farming.  In his later years Mike returned to dairy farming and then raised beef cattle.  He also enjoyed pulling tractors and working with Percheron draft horses.  Mike was the life of every party who possessed an infectious laugh, smile, & spirit.  He will be fondly remembered by all those he touched throughout his life.

Mike is survived by his children Andrew (Tammy) Cockroft, Clint (Sara) Cockroft, and Wayne (Elaine) Gift, grandchildren Joshua, Brittany, Jordan, Morgan, Garrett, River, Jerrid, and Ethan, and great-grandchildren Payton and Carson.  He is further survived by his brother Patrick (Kimberly) Cockroft, sisters Judith (Bliss) Nicholson, and Joan (Jerry) Smithback, life companion Jeannie's daughters Anna, Shawna, Shureena, Angel, and Liz and their families, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Geraldine, life companion Jeannie Coldiron, daughter Elaine Graber, sisters Lori Cockroft, Linda Roper, and Constance Jameson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Capitoland Christian Center, 3651 Maple Grove Dr., Madison, WI with Pastor Stephen Stauffacher officiating.

A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 9:00 a.m. until time of services on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Capitoland Christian Center.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.