Surnames: Reed, Odle, Van Daele, Rogers, Harshbarger, Schultz, Hoyt, Miatke

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) March 4, 2009

Reed, Michael Duane (18 December 1946 - 9 February 2009) With Flag

Michael Reed, 62, of Neillsville, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, at his home.

Michael Duane Reed was born Dec. 18, 1946, in Peoria, IL, the son of Jack W. and Mildred L. (Odle) Reed. He was drafted into the United States Army March 29, 1966, and served in the Vietnam War, receiving numerous awards of recognition, including the Purple Heart. Mike worked for Peoria Roofing and Keiling Roofing Co., in Peoria before starting his own roofing business. He moved the business to the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area in December of 1982.

He was united in marriage to Jeanne L. Van Daele, Feb. 17, 1984 in Fort Worth. They moved to Neillsville in July of 1988, and Mike led a crew for the WCC doing work for the Highground. Their construction included the initial clearing of the land, building tables and benches and the Dove Effigy Mound. Soon after, Mike began dairy farming in Hewett Township; and at the end of 1992, they purchased their current farm on Collier Avenue.

When Mike did something he never did it halfway. He excelled in whatever he did; whether it was roofing or softball, farming or his cars - Mike was the best. He was proud of his ’36 Chevy and his ’33 Plymouth. His doors were always open to family and friends, and he welcomed four exchange students and provided a home for numerous others over the years.

Mike was a member of the Tri-County Antique Car Association, the National Street Rodders Association (NSRA), and he enjoyed fishing and hunting when he wasn’t enjoying his farm life.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; a son, Michael R., of Marshfield; two daughters, Shelly Reed of Pekin, IL, and Amanda Reed of Neillsville; a niece, Jamie Rogers, of Neillsville; a granddaughter, Tiffany Reed; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Austin; and a sister, Sharon (Jerry) Harshbarger, of Peoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services for Mike were held Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Douglas Bjerke officiated. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Interment was Friday, Feb. 13, in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, with Military Rites accorded by the Wisconsin Funeral Honors program, Spooner Detachment.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Bert Schultz, and Dave Van Deale.

Casket Bearers were Joe Harshbarger, Jon Harshbarger, Josh Hoyt, Keith Miatke, Michael Reed and Jim Van Daele.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Michael’s family with funeral arrangements.