Michael W. King

Michael W. King 51, Wausau, died Sunday June 3, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 16, 1955, in Wausau, son of the late Barney and Virginia (Fletcher) King. On August 2, 1997, he married Theresa Nikolai at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. She survives. In 1973, Mike graduated from D.C. Everest High School, Schofield and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. A veteran of the Viet Nam Era, Mike served his country in the US Army from 1973 until 1976. For the past 25 years, he was employed with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He was a Forester for Iron County and Langlade County then came to Marathon County in a liason capacity. He assumed the Forest Ranger position along with the liason duties for eight years and currently was working as a Forester with private landowners in Marathon County. He loved the outdoors and was the ultimate conservation advocate. In 2002, Michael received the State of Wisconsin, Forester of the Year Award. An avid fisherman and hunter, Mike will mostly be remembered as a compassionate and loving, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He was a quiet, gentle man of strong faith. Survivors include his wife, Theresa King, Wausau, one brother, Raymond (Denise) King, Ringle, two sisters, Patricia (Glenn) Sowinski, Wausau, Kathryn (David) DeSantis, Ringle, four brothers-in-law, Gary (Betty) Nikolai, Kronenwetter, Dave (Myra) Nikolai, town of Marathon, Philip Nikolai, Rothschild, Bob (Melanie) Nikolai, town of Maine, his mother-in-law, Margaret Nikolai, Rothschild, nieces and nephews, Jenny, Jason & Jodi King, Devanne & Mitchel DeSantis, Ben, Chris, Andy and Amanda Nikolai. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his unborn children and his father-in-law, Philip D. Nikolai. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Thursday June 7, 2007 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Rev. Robert Streveler will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Friends may call on Weds. from 5 - 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. There will be a parish vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Weds. evening at the church. The family would like to take this opportunity to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Rezazedeh, the nurses at Wausau's UW Cancer Center and all the caregivers in the Oncology Unit at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the outstanding level of compassion and support given to Mike and Theresa. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michael King Memorial Fund which will be used for educational assistance. "In the woods you return to reason and faith"a