Michael "Spike" R. Osterbrink

Michael “Spike” R. Osterbrink, 64, of Wausau, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his home.  He was born on December 13, 1958 in Milwaukee, the son of Marvin and Delores (Albrecht) Osterbrink.

Mike loved his family, volunteering, and being involved in his community and sports events.  He didn’t have a lot of material things in this world, but what he did have was a lot of love.  Mike loved his mom, and she was his world.  He loved his dad and was thankful for what he had done for him and all of the family.  He loved his brothers and sisters, nieces, and nephews, especially sharing their achievements.  He loved his aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Mike loved and was especially grateful for his friends, Jamie and Jessica, who helped him out many times.

Spike was a proud member of the Wausau Noon Optimists, A.A., past member of the Wausau Jaycees, and the Fourth of July Celebration at Marathon Park.  He was a huge sports fan and enjoyed cheering on the former Timbers, Woodchucks, Brewers, Packers, and the local high school teams.  He knew all the stats and, in the past, would lead the kids in the chicken dance and hand out coins from his own pocket.  Anyone that knew Spike could find him at one of his favorite local establishments: The Domino, Red Eye, Malarkey’s, Ciao, Polito’s, or singing Karaoke at The Oz, where all the employees and patrons always treated him well.  Mike loved going to the Athens Fair with his cousin, James, and he always enjoyed going to Marathon Fun Days and the Wisconsin Valley Fair.  For many years he was in the Noon Optimist beer tent refilling the peanuts during the day.  Mike always enjoyed running into his former classmates at events and meeting up with “his people.”

Survivors include his parents, Marvin and Delores Osterbrink; brothers, Shawn (Anna) Osterbrink and Paul (Dianna) Osterbrink; sisters, Jacqueline Sjoberg and Deborah (Bob) Sherer; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Celia Albrecht; and paternal grandparents, Bill and Sadie Osterbrink.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  The funeral liturgy will be celebrated by Deacon Peter Burek.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.  Private entombment will take place at a later date in Holy Angels Mausoleum, Wausau.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Please attend the visitation in true Spike fashion and wear your best Brewers, Packers, Woodchucks, or high school sports clothing.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Wausau Noon Optimist Foundation by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin.  For more information or to donate please visit www.cfoncw.org.

Raise a glass of Diet Pepsi, love ya Spike!