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Michael Rodell Wilhelm, 75, of Wausau, Wisconsin went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 7, 2022 at the Aspirus Hospice House. Michael was born in Miles City, Montana, the son of the late George and the late Margaret (Hazel) Wilhelm. He spent his childhood in Oahu, Hawaii and Mountain View, California. The family moved to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 1958 where Michael excelled in baseball and wrestling. He graduated from Badger High School in 1964 and attended the University of Portland.
In 1966 he joined the Air Force and served as a machinist during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he moved to Reno, Nevada and worked as a machinist. In 1977, he hiked over 2,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Shortly thereafter, he began working at Ken’s Mountaineering which he managed 20 years later. It was there Michael met many life-long friends while camping, hiking, photographing, cross-country and telemark skiing.
Michael was forever grateful to his cousin Steve for bringing him to the Lord during a candlelight service at Reno Christian Fellowship. It was there he met and married his wife, June (Moyle) Wilhelm. Together they raised two sons, John and Matthew. Michael was a loving husband and model father who was devoted to his family. As it was, in 1999, the family moved to Wausau, where Michael enjoyed working at Goal Line Golf and Hockey.
Michael spent countless hours photographing volleyball, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse games. He would often provide individual prints to parents and comprise an end of the season slide shows.
True to Michael’s character, he participated in several research studies after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He fought a good fight. He finished the race. He kept the Faith.
Michael is survived by his wife, June (Moyle) Wilhelm; two sons, John (Claire) Wilhelm of Rochester, Minnesota, and Matthew Wilhelm; sister, Heather (Tim) O’Connor of Seattle, Washington; step-sister, Sonia (Mike) Calton, Reno, Nevada; step-brother, Danny (Sandra) Lee, Reno, Nevada; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00p.m. (Noon) on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at the Highland Community Church at 1005 North 28th Avenue, Wausau, Wisconsin. Pastor Jeff Hinds and Pastor Dave Mahler will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
