Michael "Mike" J. Luhtala

Michael “Mike” J. Luhtala, 56, Rothschild, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, following a long illness.

He was born December 22, 1966 in Milwaukee, the son of Oliver and Sandra (Ison) Luhtala.  He met the love of his life, Catherine “Cathy” L. Spanton  working at Figi’s in Marshfield.  They were united in marriage on August 12, 1995 in Wausau.  They built a life together and Mike stood by Cathy’s side throughout her battle with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma until the very end.

Mike worked as a software engineer, retiring from Sentry Insurance in Stevens Point.  Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed traveling with Cathy, listening to music, watching movies and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  One of the last trips Mike and Cathy made, was to see the eclipse in Colorado, an adventure they truly loved.

Survivors include, his mother, Sandra (Mike) Volhard, Wausau; two children, James (Jana) Schneider, Sturgeon Bay and Samantha Schneider, Wausau; four grandchildren, Mckenzie Daoust, Noah and Chimaira Schneider and Liam Yates; his father and mother-in-law, Harry “Bud” and LuAnn Spanton, Weston; three brothers-in-law, Luke (Monica) Spanton, Germantown, Mark Spanton, San Francisco, CA and Tom (Carolina) Spanton, Yuma, AZ; three aunts, Darlene Nantelle, Spencer, Diane Hakala, Brantwood and Kathy Ison, Tomahawk; one uncle, Daryl (Rene) Ison, Wausau; special cousin, Barry (Kim) Hakala, Edgar; special friend, Dave Venske, Wausau; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oliver and wife, Catherine.

A celebration of Mike and Cathy’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medics at the Riverside Fire Department and the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the outstanding care, treatment and support for Mike and his family.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com