Michael L. Pierschalla

Michael L. Pierschalla, 46, 1129 Prospect Ave, Wausau, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at his home. Michael was born November 26, 1955, in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, son of Lawrence Pierschalla, Wausau and the late Rosemary (Knippel) Pierschalla. Michael achieved excellence in several arenas of endeavor. The outpouring of love and respect by those who knew him is testament to his high level of personal attainment. In 1975, at age 20, Michael lost his hearing. In 1985, he received a cochlear implant. In recognition of his contributions to further the cause of research in this field, Michael received an award from the Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institutes of Health, during one of their annual workshops. In 1986, Michael arranged to donate his temporal bone, at the time of his death, to research. His wishes were honored. 'Exquisite' comes to mind when encountering the furniture art masterpieces of Michael L. Pierschalla. His artistry is considered definitive of a dynamic, expressive form that emerged during the 80's. As a teacher of art, Michael also achieved excellence. He taught graduate level woodworking at various universities and schools, including Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Everyone who responded to the news of his death made mention of things they had learned from him. Michael was an eloquent writer. He authored a book of poetry, American Haiku, as yet unpublished. He'd begun working on a commissioned book about his experiences with deafness. And always, always, he loved to read. Besides his father, Lawrence, he is survived by two sisters: Barbara Pierschalla, Austin, Texas, Karen (Ralph) Acker, Rib Mountain; two brothers: Steven (Debi) Pierschalla, Grainger, Indiana, David (Lori) Pierschalla, Wausau; a nephew, Kevin and four nieces, Tina, Kristen, Emily and Rosemary and a great-niece, Rayanne, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his dear friend, Martha Woodworth. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother; Rosemary Pierschalla. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2002 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau. The Rev. Stephen Gross will preside. Friends may call on Tuesday, from noon until the time of services at the Sixth Street funeral home.