Michael “Mike” Bredlow, 59, of Ontario passed peacefully Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, surrounded by his family and friends, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. He had fought a courageous battle with cancer.
Michael was born Oct. 8, 1951, in Sparta to Phillip and Ellna (Sell) Bredlow. He grew up in the Ontario and Norwalk area and graduated from Brookwood High School in 1970. Following high school, he served his country in the United States Army, during which time he completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the Bredlow-Ewing American Legion Post 467.
Michael was employed at Tomah Hospitality Hotel. He was an avid fisherman and antique-tractor collector. He was also a lifetime member of the Badger Steam Engine Club in Baraboo, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his uncles, Walter and Robert Bredlow; a brother-in-law, Gary; and one niece.
He is survived by three sisters, Darlene (Jerry) of Sparta, Pat (Paul) of Elkhorn, Wis., and Frances (Larry) of Mindoro, Wis.; several nieces and nephews; a special friend, Sheri Calhoon; and his fishing friends, Raymond and Lola Heinz. He will also be missed by his two dogs, Brandy and Bear.
Funeral services with full military honors will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Pastor Jay Cronholm will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario will assist the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Michael’s name to the local Alcoholics Anonymous group, 29330 Hwy. 131, Norwalk, WI 54648.
Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
