Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Michael Banta
Winneconne, Wisconsin
Michael Banta, 68, of Winneconne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home. Mike fought a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Michael was born January 17, 1941, in Green Bay, the son of John C. (Jack) and Grace (Wyne) Banta. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Schofield, Wisconsin in 1959. He went on and graduated with a business degree in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
On October 5, 1963, he married his love, Sara Ann Schneider, in Rothschild, Wisconsin. They made their home in Wausau, until a job transfer moved them to Oshkosh where Mike was employed by Woolworth's. He worked for a short time with State Farm Insurance in Appleton, and in 1972 he started a 36-year employment with Curtis Law Office and became a successful investigator. Mike loved his job and did it well! Mike retired in May 2008, looking forward to golf and enjoying time with Sara.
Mike was an avid golfer, hunter, Packer fan, and enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Crivitz. For those of you who have ever played cards with Mike, you may know him as "Iron Duke." He also enjoyed and was very good at card tricks and would bedazzle people of all ages. Mike was currently a member of the Winchester Hill Couples and Men's Golf Leagues.
Mike is survived by his wife of 46 wonderful years, Sara; three adoring daughters, Shelly (Shane) Anderson, of Oshkosh; Lynn (Bruce) Voss, of Grafton; and Chrissy (Ron) Kohler, of Larsen; eight grandchildren, Robert and Michael Weeks, Trace and Lane Anderson, Isaiah and Elijah Voss, and Ronnie and Marki Kohler. He is further survived by his 91-year-old mother, Grace Banta, formerly of Rothschild, now of Oshkosh; four sisters, Bonny (Dale) Northup, of Florida; Judy Banta, of Milwaukee; Susie (John) Gorski, of Oshkosh; and Debbie (Ron) Shultis, of Georgia. Mike also has aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends who will deeply miss him.
Mike was preceded in death by his in-laws, Francis and Blanche Schneider; an infant daughter, Julie Ann; and his father, John C. Banta.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. (the Packer's have a bye) at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Drive, Winneconne, with Sharon Baker officiating. A Visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, on Saturday, October 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be Monday, October 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Home Cemetery, Cty Rd A in the town of Athelstane.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established by the family to Aurora VNA Hospice and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center.
Mike's family sends out a huge thanks to Aurora ICU, 2 West, and Aurora Hospice for all their gentle, understanding care.
Enjoy that golf game you are now playing Mike!!
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St. P.O. Box 250
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Karrie Northup, Kylie and Joshua wrote on October 10, 2009
Dear Aunt Sara, Shelly, Lynn and Chrissy: Wish we could be there with you all right now through this difficult time. Like Aunt Susie said, it gives us peace knowing he and Grandpa are together again, playing golf and having a martini! You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we love and miss you very much!
Orvil, Myra, Terry & Lori wrote on October 10, 2009
Sara, We we so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Although it's been literally decades since we first met your family, we still have fond memories of each of you. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Shirley & Jerry Mortensen wrote on October 10, 2009
Dear Bonnie & Judy & all of Mike's Family: You are in our thoughts & prayers. All those wonderful memories of growing up with the Banta kids as friends are very precious to us. We think often of the fun times at the house in Rothschild. Please give Grace our love.
Rene Stasiak and Family wrote on October 9, 2009
Sara and Family,
Although it has been many years, I still recall the fun times our families enjoyed together riding snowmobiles, hunting, and swimming in the freezing channel... Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rene and Denise
Kelly, Nick & Chris Moy wrote on October 9, 2009
Dear Aunt Sara, Shelly, Lynne & Chrissy, We are praying for you to have strength through this time. May God bless you.
Gary and Sandy Yakes wrote on October 9, 2009
We fondly remember our time as neighbors on Windward Court. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We now live in Sarasota, FL but enjoy summers and holidays at Windward Court, and recall the early days of our mutual families.
We are so sorry Mike's retirement was cut so short.
Rob Bettin wrote on October 8, 2009
Lynn, Bruce & Entire Banta Family,
So sorry for your loss, my deepest sincere condolences to you all. Without question Mike will be missed by you all & by many, he was a great guy. My prayers will most defiantly include you all.
Brenda (Flanigan) Corbett wrote on October 8, 2009
My deepest sympathy to your family. I have many fond memories of my childhood in your home,with your family. It brings me great sadness to hear of Mike's passing. May his spirit always be with you! Find strength in each other.
Chrissy girl - I Love You!!!!
BIG Hugs & kisses
Bev Jaeger wrote on October 8, 2009
By reading the above condolences we can see how special Mike was to so many people. Time will pass and the pain will lessen, but memories will be forever present. We are with you in looking forward to Mike's resurrection to the perfect earth we all ask for when we pray the 'Lord's Prayer'. [Matthew 6:10] Always remember: "To Jehovah our Sovereign Lord belong the ways out from death." [Psalm 68:20] We can all be together with Mike again!
Judy Zaske wrote on October 8, 2009
Sorry to hear this Sara, my deepest sympathy to you and your family
Kathy Fuller-Kautz wrote on October 8, 2009
Our sincerest condolences to you, Sara. Life is so short....our prayers to you and your family.
Kathy
Tiffanie Stasiak & Family wrote on October 7, 2009
Dear Sara, Shelly, Lynn and Chrissy,
We were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have many fond memories of him and all of you at your super cool house on the channel. He was so lucky to be surrounded by such loving and strong women. Our prayers are with all of you. Much love, Tiffanie, Larry, John and Alexander.
Susan Gorski-sister wrote on October 7, 2009
We all loved him so much, we will miss him more than words can say. I gives us peace to know he is up there playing golf with Dad!!
David and Cresta Buss wrote on October 7, 2009
May God Bless you in this trying time. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Matt and Kristen Footit wrote on October 7, 2009
Although we've only known Mike for a couple of years, we had already gotten to know what a great father and grandfather he was. Like Trace told me last night, I bet he's already played a couple of rounds of golf up in heaven.