April 10, 1973 – April 27, 2025
Maia Amy Michalsen, age 52 of Sister Bay, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee with her family by her side.
She was born on April 10, 1973, to Solbjorg “Sue” Daubner and the late Lloyd Michalsen in St. Charles, Illinois.
Maia was a 1991 graduate of Gibraltar High School. After high school, she was actively involved in the equine industry. She continued her education and graduated from Blue Sky School of Massage Therapy specializing in Deep Tissue Neuromuscular for Human and Equine and she had been in practice for over 35 years.
She married Bryan Broyles and together they welcomed their daughter, Hanna.
Maia had a passion for health and wellness. Besides massage therapy, she studied and utilized Magna Wave therapy (PEMF – Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) to promote healing, reduce pain, and increase circulation in her clients and added it to her practice. She also had an interest in new advanced stem cell research, studying the benefits and how this could help her clients. In 2020 she created and become the founder of DoCo Pit Packs, traveling to local farmers markets, events, and selling wholesale.
Being a single mother and building three businesses for herself, she always made time for Horses. Being affected by Multiple Sclerosis, horses had always made her feel grounded. Maia grew up learning English-style horseback riding here in Door County. She would say, “if you can catch it, you can ride it.” and then she was off to the races. She trained horses and potential horseback riders for many years, as well as rescued horses. She cared for the wellness of all equine and other animals by using PEMF to treat them. Maia became the best horse mom, and her favorite was going on trail rides and shows with her daughter Hanna.
Most of all, Maia loved and cherished her family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
Maia is survived by her daughter, Hanna Michalsen; parents, Sue and David Daubner; sister and brother, Lisa (Ron) MacDonald and Eric (Ann) Michalsen; cousins, Connor, Lena, and Grace. She is further survived by Nancy Akerley and many beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd.
Maia’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Froedtert Hospital CVICU for their exceptional care; Kathy’s House for their gracious hospitality; Rev. James Honig for his faithful and emotional support; and all of the friends and family who have shown their love and support to the family during this time. The family would also like to thank all those who helped take care of Maia’s animals in her absence and those who contributed to Maia’s GoFundMe page.
A memorial service for Maia will be at Noon on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church – 11836 WI-42, Ellison Bay – with Rev. James Honig officiating. Visitation will be held at church from 10 am until 11:45 am. Guests are encouraged to wear bright happy colors, to celebrate her life and usher her on to her next journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Sue Daubner (P.O. Box 82, Sister Bay, WI 54234) for a memorial fund to be established in honor of Maia at a later date.
Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, is assisting the Michalsen family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Maia may be shared with her family through her tribute page at casperesonfuneralhome.com