Michael (Mike) Petersen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Petersen, who left us on March 25, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on April 22, 1952, to Elton and Mary (Lamers) Petersen, Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Mike began grade school at Ledgeville Elementary until the 4th grade, then finishing through 8th grade at St. Francis Catholic School. He then attended Abbot Pennings High School and St. Norbert College. His career as a cheesemaker began at White Clover, and then Fromageries Bel before finding a new path as a machine operator at Appvion until his retirement.

Mike married Shari Martzahl, on June 2, 1978, in Appleton, and together they built a life full of love and laughter. Mike had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying summer weekends while the kids were younger camping and making memories with his family. Later, he cherished the times spent around campfires at their cottage by Lake Metonga in Crandon. He was always the proudest grandpa, never missing a chance to attend his grandchildren's sporting events and competitions, cheering them on with unwavering support, until his health no longer allowed him to. At that point he was eager for the kids to relive it through their storytelling as they shared the videos and pictures from their events, as well as any deer hunting or fishing stories they may have. Mike's faith was important to him and he was a member of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Hollandtown.

Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shari; his three children: Jen (Jeremy) Zahringer of Appleton, Abbey (Andy) Adrian of Kaukauna and Mike (Rachaele) Petersen of Kaukauna. He will be truly missed by his grandchildren: Sophia, Cayden, Grayson and Trystan Zahringer, Emma and Evan Adrian, Addilyn, Owen and Olivia Petersen.

He is further survived by his brothers and sister: Ken (Sue) Petersen, Duane (Mary) Petersen, Dan (Shirley) Petersen, Chris (Rick) Blair, Dave (Rosalee) Petersen, sister-in-law Linda Petersen and Paul (Jean) Petersen as well as Shari's siblings: Joe (Donna) Martzahl, Pam (Randy) Kaster, Rick (Debbie) Martzahl and Dan Martzahl as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Mary Petersen; brother Brian Petersen; nephew Cory Petersen; brother Gerard Petersen; in-laws Jack and Rita Martzahl and brother-in-law Ron Martzahl.

Family and friends may visit at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Parish- St. Francis Site, 433 County Road CE, Hollandtown (Kaukauna), on Friday, April 11, from 9:00am until 11:00am. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:30am with Fr. Luke Ferris officiating. Burial will be at a later time at St. Francis Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful medical professionals who took care of Mike, especially Dr. Poola of ThedaCare Oncology, the UW-Marshfield Clinic, Dr. Russo of Kaukauna Clinic and the fantastic staff at the St. Paul Home, specifically the rehab and hospice teams.

In lieu of flowers the family will make donations to various charities important to Mike.