Michael E. "Mike" Gau

Michael "Mike" E. Gau, 91, Wausau, died Monday, November 6, 2017 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. He was born September 14, 1926 in the town of Marathon, son of the late Mike J. and Catherine (Krause) Gau. On September 18, 1948, he married his wife, of 69 years, Laura T. Gau (Heil) at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wausau. She preceded him death on Sunday, November 5, 2017. Survivors include six children, David (Bobbi) Gau, Mosinee, Susan (Rob) Gau-Krueger, Wausau, William (Sally) Gau, Wausau, Mary Kay (Rodney) Rohde, Butternut, Terrence (Mary) Gau, California and Daniel Gau, Madison; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Laura, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Walter, Edwin, Oscar and Roman Gau; and two sisters, Marian Krautkramer and Viola Mayer. In his earlier years, Mike was active in Wausau Little League as manager, former member of the Wausau City Council and Marathon County Board. Mike was always interested in "good clean government" and politics. Mike was a great Fraternalist and public servant. One thing he will be remembered for was his great sense of humor. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed dancing, playing cards with family and friends, and just being with people. He took pleasure being presiding minister at numerous mock wedding anniversaries. Family cook-outs and gatherings with his family were very important to him. Mike was a past Grand Knight, past Faithful Navigator and member of Knights of Columbus Honor Guard. He was president of the Holy Name Society of Holy Name of Jesus Parish, past Parish Trustee, member of the Parish Council, parish Usher, Lector, Mass Server and Eucharistic Minister, past president of the Holy Name of Jesus Society and Home and School Association. He was past President of the Wausau Serra Club, past Vice-President of the Wausau Sunrise Optimist Club, held three different volunteer positions for Newman High School, Holy Name Scouting Committee, Catholic Charities and past Board of Governors of the former Marywood Convalescent Center of Wausau. Mike was also active volunteer for parish festivals and other functions. In 2002, he proudly received the Bishop Martin Henni Award for 10,000 hours of volunteer time. Was a big fan of polka music and enjoyed dancing with his wife Laura. In 1990, Mike retired from Catholic Family Life Insurance Company as an agent, where he received several achievement awards, and then worked as a funeral assistant for the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes. The Funeral Mass for Mike and Laura will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017 at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Jesse Burish and Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Visitation will be on Monday from Noon until time of services at the church. There will be a combined, Parish, St. Catherine Council, Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 3:00 p.m. Private burial will be on Tuesday at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hospice House, 530 N. 32nd Avenue, Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com