Michael G. Bahr, 78

Michael G. Bahr, son of George & Margaret Bahr, was born on October 17, 1941.

He passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 7, 2020.

Mike spent his childhood in Wittenberg looking for adventures, helping neighbors with odd jobs,playing ball, and forging friendships that lasted his entire life. In high school he developed astrong work ethic in his family’s Ben Franklin store and the Badger Theater, where he could befound most weekends working the movie projector or selling concessions.

In January 1964, Mike began his military career in the US Army,serving as a Military Police Officer in Vietnam until January 1966. Following his tour of duty he returned home and joined the American Legion Bloecher-Johnson Post 502, with whom he proudly was a member for over 50 years. He didn’t miss a single Wittenberg Homecoming and looked forward to visiting with everyone each year.

June 18, 1966 began a 45 year marriage to the love of his life, Vernita Sullivan, who preceded him in death. Together they raised 4 children.

Mike partnered with his father in the family business. They eventually closed the theater to expand the retail store to twice its original size, making it a modern self-serving store. In 1997, they received an award honoring 50 years of continuous management as a family-owned Ben Franklin store.

Community service was important to Mike and he set the standard high. In addition to military and Legion service, he was also a very active member of his church. Mike belonged to the Knights of Columbus, actively fundraised for the Green Bay Packer Bishops Charity, and volunteered much of his time with the Holy Family Men’s Club in various leadership roles.

Outside of church he supported the Elcho Food Pantry, Wittenberg Chamber of Commerce and various community service projects.

A relaxing and fulfilling retirement started in 1997 at Post Lake where Mike and Vernita built their dream home. It was here that he spent his days fishing, hunting, throwing horseshoes, and visiting with friends, new and old.

Mike’s legacy will live on through his family: son Paul (Rebecca) Bahr, grandchildren Lauren and Matthew; daughter Susan (Matt) Black, grandchildren Jonathan, Alicia, and Madalyn; son Philip (Petra) Bahr, grandson Brian; and son Steven (fiancée Diana Henry), grandson Rylan.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 from 5PM to 7PM at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg.

The family encourages the community and friends wishing to pay their respects to practice social distancing and keep the State mandates in mind. Please be patient as measures will be taken to practice social distancing during the public visitation.

Mikes family would like to invite the public to a graveside service which will be held at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg at 2PM on Friday, May 15. Military rites will be conducted by the Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502.

Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com