MICHAEL THACKER

Mike Thacker of Neenah, age 71, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, from Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) brain cancer, on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.  Mike was born November 20, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late J. Ross and Thelma (Griswold) Thacker.  Mike graduated from Brecksville High School (Ohio) in 1971, where he was on the Wrestling and Football teams.  He later graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health.  Mike was also a member of the 1972 WIAC Championship Titan Football team.  It was at UWO that Mike met his wife, Laura L. Fredrich, whom he married on August 7, 1976 in Neenah.

Mike's life was dedicated to his love of sports, photography, and teaching.  During his career, he taught in the Neenah Public Schools and also Special Education at St. Coletta's School in Jefferson, WI.  Mike was an Area Coordinator for Special Olympics, served on the board of the Educational Foundation of Neenah, was a baseball and softball umpire, basketball referee, and coached basketball, baseball, and softball.  Along with his friend, Steve Fusfeld, Mike's Game Day Photos shot pictures for the Fox Valley Force, a semi-pro football team, and also for the UWO Titan football team Booster Club for many years.

Mike proudly worked for Kimberly-Clark Corp. for 26 years at the Lakeview Diaper Plant.  After taking early retirement in 2008, Mike was employed by the Neenah-Menasha Red Cross and finally returned to teaching as a substitute teacher in the Neenah and Menasha School Districts for over 12 years.  During the summer months, Mike could be found on Lake Winnebago boating with his wife and family, working at Winagamie Golf Course, or walking his faithful dogs, Goldie, Chip, and Greta.  Cruising the Caribbean with dear friends was a favorite pastime of Mike and Laura's during the last 15 years.

Mike was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was an Usher, served on the Church Council, and decorated the sanctuary with many others for special services and holidays throughout the church year.  

Loving husband, Dad, and friend, Mike will be deeply missed by his wife Laura and their three children:  Dr. Kelly Thacker (Green Bay), Erin (Scott) Hanson (Trempealeau), and Cassie (fiancé - Ryan McPherson) Jackson (Fairbanks, Alaska).  Mike is further survived by his brother, Dr. James (Mary) Thacker, Cincinnati, OH; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Linda McDermott, Neenah; brother-in-law, Gary Schroeder, Neenah; brother-in-law, Tod Fredrich, Neenah; sister-in-law, Sara Hannigan, Clearwater Beach, FL; and many devoted and fun-loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, Max and Gerry Fredrich, son-in-law, Brian Jackson, and sister-in-law, Lisa Schroeder.

Mike's life revolved around his loving daughters and their many activities, and he shared with them his love of sports, teaching, and education.  Along with his steadfast faith, education was a pillar of Mike's life.  To that end, it was Mike's wish to donate his brain to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Neuro-Oncology Brain Bank.  Through research and the donations of others to the Brain Bank, Mike was able to exceed the life expectancy for those with GBMs through his use of an Optune device, brain-specific chemotherapy drugs, and his faith, strength, and determination.

Mike's cancer journey allowed the family to experience the compassion and caring of the Theda Cancer Center team, the Froedert Neuro-Oncology team, the Theda Care Hospice team, his many friends, and church family; to whom they will be forever grateful.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Neenah with Pastor Amy Engebose officiating.  Family and friends may visit at church from 2:00 P.M. until the time of the service at 4:00 P.M.  A dinner in the church's Fellowship Hall will follow. A memorial fund is being established in Mike's name for St. Paul Lutheran Church, Theda Care Cancer Center in Appleton and Neenah, and the MCW Neuro-Oncology Brain Bank.