Michael J. Connors, 61, of Racine, Wis., lost his courageous battle with heart disease on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at LifeCare Hospital in Pewaukee, Wis. He was surrounded by his loving wife, brother and stepdaughter. Michael was born July 16, 1948, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison to Virginia A. Connors (Higgins) and Delbert Joseph Connors.

He grew up in Green Bay and attended West High School graduating in 1966. After serving two years in the United States Army at Fort Campbell Kentucky, he returned to attend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and received his Bachelor of Science in Managerial Systems/Administration in 1977.

His love of cars, especially Corvettes, eventually led him to Columbus, Ohio where he worked in the racing industry with Roger Penske and Kraco Racing.

In 1994 he had the good fortune to land a unique opportunity with a national cable television network C-SPAN. For sixteen years he traveled with a film crew in a custom coach outfitted as a mobile television studio. He visited every state and especially enjoyed spending three weeks filming in Alaska. During those years he visited every presidential library and historical site, while meeting a variety of senators, governors and presidents. His days were filled with meeting students, celebrities and even Supreme Court justices as they filmed segments for airing on C-SPAN. His love of history and politics was a perfect match with his love of traveling.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Linda of Racine; son, Chad Connors of Columbus, Ohio; mother, Virginia; brother, Patrick (Tanya) Connors of Mauston; sister-in-law, Kim Connors of Mauston; nieces, Jessica, Jenny, Ashley, Shannon and Mandy, all who were so special to him. He will be truly missed by his stepchildren, Stacie (Tim) of Racine, Robert (Shelly) of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Michael (Adina) of Denver, Colo. Michael adored his grandchildren, Josephine, Ethan, Jack, and Carly; great-niece, Taylor Rose; and loving aunt, Ann Erickson of Appleton. He also leaves behind his C-SPAN family in Washington D.C. as well as dear friends around the country.

Michael was cremated and will be buried in Mauston beside his brother Joseph and his father Delbert at a later date.

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