Herbert E. Mikle

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Herbert E. Mikle, 76, of Tucson, Ariz., passed away on May 4, 2014. He was born in Oneida to the late Ervin and Ethel (Giese) Mikle. Herbert married the love of his life, Lorraine Johnson, on July 20, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church in Oneida. Herb was a tractor mechanic all of his life, working at Gillett Implement and Green Line in Pound. He dedicated the last 25 years of his career to Riesterer & Schnell in Pulaski. Herbert had a passion for traveling with his wife throughout the United States. For the last five years of his life, he resided and enjoyed the sunshine and mountainous landscape in his favorite traveling destination, Arizona. He loved to fish, shoot, trap and hunt, especially out West with his sons and other family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, snowmobiling and sharing an unmatchable bond with his dog, Lady. Herb expressed his love for polka music and musical talent playing the accordion in his band, Polka Deers. Wise, funny, merry-hearted, loving—he was all these things. He enjoyed sharing his experiences, wisdom and life stories with those around him. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett. Herbert is survived by his two daughters, Laurieann (Chuck) Chapin, of Oconto Falls, Christina Mikle, of Suring; seven sons, Peter (Cindy) Mikle, of Seymour, Richard (Susan) Mikle, of Gillett, Duane (Beverly) Mikle, of Tucson, Ariz., Daniel Mikle, of Gulliver, Mich., Steven Mikle, of Shawano, Thomas (Jean) Mikle, of Rhinelander, John Mikle, of Suring; two brothers, Conrad (Linda) Mikle, of Oneida, Reuben Mikle, of Underhill; a sister, Carol Melchert, of Oneida; 23 grandchildren and19 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, on Sept. 30, 2010, his granddaughter, Jennifer Mikle, and a brother-in-law, Willis Melchert. Visitation will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett on Wednesday, May 14, from 2 p.m. until the funeral service at 6 p.m., with Pastor Harvey Jeffers officiating. Herbert will be laid to rest next to his wife in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Oneida. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.