MICHAEL HUEMPFNER

Michael “Mike” Joseph Huempfner, 65, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Neenah after a brave battle with melanoma. A man of quiet strength (unless the Packers lost), deep loyalty, and passion for the outdoors, Mike lived a life filled with adventure, humor, and hard work.

Mike was born on February 3, 1960, in Necedah, Wisconsin, the eldest son of the late Milo Edward Huempfner and Barbara Jean Huempfner (VandenLangenberg) of Neenah. The oldest of six siblings—which meant he was either the most responsible or the best at blaming the younger ones.

Mike graduated from Neenah High School in 1978 and went on to dedicate over 30 years of hard work to Neenah Foundry. (Rumor has it he only retired because they ran out of things for him to fix.) There, he built lifelong friendships and a strong work ethic. On the side, he roofed, restored, and remodeled, proving that sleep was merely a suggestion.

The outdoors was where Mike found some of his greatest joy. He was an avid deer hunter, sturgeon spearer, and fisherman, spending countless hours fishing near the Neenah Lighthouse and ice fishing on Lake Winnebago in ice shanties he built himself. His Ford pickup—distinct with a hunting arrow on the antenna and chrome—was a familiar sight on Wisconsin roads, usually loaded with firewood for his stove or gear for his next adventure.

A skilled craftsman and true “MacGyver,” Mike could fix just about anything from almost nothing (If he couldn't fix it, then it wasn't broken). He built birdhouses, tended his summer garden, and looked forward to every cookout and campout. He had a lifelong love for classic cars, spending his younger years restoring them for racing or joyrides in his prized 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible. He also participated in local bowling and pool leagues, racking up a number of trophies.

Mike's adventurous spirit led him across the country on his 1996 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic (loudly, of course), including many memorable trips out west to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. He loved spending time with family and joining friends at the Short Branch Saloon and Sherrytown Station, where the stories were as big as the bar tabs.

And, of course, Mike's famous bacon-wrapped venison and taco dip were non-negotiable at every family gathering. If you showed up without them, you might as well have stayed home.

Mike had a knack for pranks and mischief. In his younger years, he and his friends were notorious for swimming and hiding under the Neenah Dam, then when caught, taunting local law enforcement with a cheeky, “Come and get us!” His love for humor never waned—whether lighting off a firework near someone's tent (or worse, near a porta-potty) during campouts or casually offering the names of long-deceased friends when questioned about his appreciation for the devil's lettuce. (Sorry, Officers.)

Despite his selective—and occasionally legally questionable—brand of fun, Mike was one of the best of us: kind, loyal, generous, and the kind of person you could truly count on.

In recent years, Mike treasured his time with his grandson, teaching him how to fish, gifting him one of his first fishing poles, and showing him the ropes of ice fishing this past winter. (Pro tip from Mike: If the ice cracks, run faster.)

Mike is survived by his daughter, Melissa Marie Huempfner-Sherry “Sunshine”; son-in-law, Joseph John Sherry; and grandson, Joseph Michael Sherry “Buckaroo,” of Brown Deer, WI. He is also survived by his siblings: James Matthew Huempfner (Neenah), Alan Edward Huempfner (Neenah), Kay Marie Huempfner (Todd) (Menasha), and Paul Kevin Huempfner (Neenah); his honorary brother and sister-in-law, David James & Ruth Ann Wright (Appleton); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Patrick Huempfner (Joni Wood) (Bailey's Harbor), and his beloved fur puppy, Pokey.

Above all, Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, nephew, cousin, and loyal friend. He was immensely proud of his daughter, Melissa, celebrating her achievements, including when he got to see her perform at Carnegie Hall. He cherished his grandson, Joseph, sharing stories, skills, and his love for the outdoors.

Mike lived life on his own terms—boots in the snow, hands in the dirt, wind on his face, and laughter always close by. A man of faith, mischief, and simple joys, he found peace in the moments that made life meaningful: in the forests he hunted, the waters he fished, the sun rises he greeted, the people he loved, and the stories we'll keep telling. If you hear a Harley in the distance? That's just Mike—taking the long way home.

Take ‘er easy, Mike. We'll miss you and love you, always.

Mike's immediate family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to family and friends for their prayers, well wishes, calls, and visits. A special thank you to the teams at ThedaCare Neenah, Appleton, and Hospice, including Dr. M. Boese, Dr. M. Hamed, Dr. J. Bovi, Dr. T. Miles, C. Williams, APNP, N. Reddick, PA-C, Cancer Navigator Laura, and Chaplain Mike; the staff of CopperStone Assisted Living of Neenah, especially Kris, Breanna, Briana, Brooke “BB,” and Meghan; ADRC of Outagamie County, Abby; and CarePatrol of the Fox Cities, Regina. The family also wishes to acknowledge the many other dedicated members of his care team whose kindness and expertise brought comfort in his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Guests can expect taco dip, rock music, and a few questionable jokes. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Mike by scheduling routine dermatology screenings and other important checkups. Of all the things he got himself into, skin cancer was never one of his worries—until it was.

Condolences, stories, and photos of Mike are appreciated and can be emailed to RideHighMike@gmail.com, posted on the Facebook group “Ride High Mike Huempfner,” or mailed to: c/o Melissa Huempfner, P.O. Box 122, 310 W Franklin Ave, Neenah, WI 54957