Michael Birkholz

Michael was born to Harry and Thelma Birkholz, Saturday, July 1, 1950, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Mike graduated from Beaver Dam High School. He then attended Stevens Point College. Mike was a hard worker. He worked with his father Harry in new and used auto parts. He then worked in paper mills as a supervisor in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Canada. He loved to work. Mike met the love of his life, Valerie, in 1972 and they were united in marriage October 7, 1972. They walked hand in hand for the next 40 years. Together they had 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Mike loved them all with his whole heart. Mike lived and loved passionately in all he did. One of his passions was hunting and fishing. He started with his father Harry at 12 years old. He then learned through his father-in-law, Edward Fenner, to make camp out in the woods. He hunted and fished all through northern Wisconsin and Canada for 50 years with his brother-in-law Walter. Mike taught his children, grand children, nieces and nephews how to hunt and fish. He hunted moose, deer, duck and turkey. Mike absolutely loved to laugh and tease. He loved a good joke with a good time. Mike was a wonderful husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, friend, nephew, uncle. He cared so much for everyone and he never gave up on people. Dad was really proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, especially if they caught a big fish or shot a big deer. Dad had a heart of gold and a big heart. He always gave his all. He had a strong voice. He was a big man but so gentle, caring and loving. He touched many peoples hearts and gained respect. He never made an enemy. A wonderful man went to heaven. Dad passed away very unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 61 years. Those left to mourn Mike’s passing, are his wife, Valerie Birkholz; son Blaine; daughters Nicole Birkholz, Kerrie Birkholz, Jennie Birkholz, Beckie Birkholz (Colin Meyers); sisters Karen (Walter) Maron, Joanne Bauer; brother Jim (Delorous) Birkholz; 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins and friends. Mike was predeceased by his father Harry Birkholz; mother Thelma Birkholz; daughter Leah Fenner; sister Faye Birkholz; mother-in-law Rolande Azure; father-in-law Edward Fenner; brothers-in-law Dennis Fenner, Kendell Azure; sisters-in-law Mary Fenner, Roxanne Fenner, Debbie Azure. In keeping with family wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Michael’s life was held Sunday, May 27, 2012, 2:00 pm, at the Cormorant Community Hall, Cormorant, Manitoba with James Hemauer presiding. Music ministry was provided by the Cormorant Choir. Memories of the heart were shared by Randy Mercredi. Interment followed at the Cormorant Community Cemetery, Cormorant, Manitoba. Honorary pallbearers Walter Maron, Randy Mercredi, Ronnie Fenner, Blaine Birkholz, Myles Munro, Perry Folster, Jim Profit, Pete King, Brent Maron, Robbie Maron, and Mike’s Family and Friends. If friends so desire, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated by Mike’s family.