Michael "Mike" Lach

Michael W. "Mike" Lach, 79, Rib Mountain, died Friday February 28, 2014 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born March 27, 1934, in Phillips, son of the late Anton and Anna (Gora) Lach. On July 3, 1972, he married Louise Jensen in Rhinelander. She survives. Mike was a 1953 graduate of Phillips High School and joined the Army February 3, 1954, serving during the Korean War with assignments in Okinawa and Korea. He continued his service with the Wisconsin National Guard, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. He was a longtime member of the American Legion, Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau and a life member of the VFW Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. In 1958, he joined the Wisconsin State Patrol as a trooper and retired in 1992. During those years he also served in various capacities with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Mike was a staunch supporter and life member of the NRA . Along with being an avid fisherman, he also enjoyed hunting turkey and deer. Among his many involvements through the years, he remained active in the Men's Club at St. Matthew Catholic Church and was a life member of the Rib Mountain Lions Club. Although Mike suffered a stroke in 1998, his strong will, along with Louise's encouragement and assistance, enabled him to remain involved in many of his previous activities. In more recent years, Mike enjoyed computer solitaire, watching old Westerns on TV and the activities of water therapy and physical therapy. Survivors include his wife, Louise Lach, Rib Mountain, two daughters, JoAnne (Mike) Johnson, Machesney Park, Ill., and their sons, David and Greg; Patty (Patrick) Krieger, Shorewood, and their daughter, Katie; two sisters, Helen Cowan, Phillips and Ann Perger, Phillips, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Stanley, Andrew and Mary Lach. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Noon Tuesday March 4, 2014 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Military Honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Honor Guard. Entombment will be in Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Building Fund. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all the Doctors that attended Mike from the Marshfield Clinic in Weston and Wausau as well as the Physical Therapy staff at Marshfield Clinic Stettin Center and the staff at the North Central Health Care Pool especially Brenda.