Michael Banta Winneconne, Wisconsin Michael Banta, 68, of Winneconne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home. Mike fought a courageous battle with lung cancer. Michael was born January 17, 1941, in Green Bay, the son of John C. (Jack) and Grace (Wyne) Banta. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in Schofield, Wisconsin in 1959. He went on and graduated with a business degree in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. On October 5, 1963, he married his love, Sara Ann Schneider, in Rothschild, Wisconsin. They made their home in Wausau, until a job transfer moved them to Oshkosh where Mike was employed by Woolworth's. He worked for a short time with State Farm Insurance in Appleton, and in 1972 he started a 36-year employment with Curtis Law Office and became a successful investigator. Mike loved his job and did it well! Mike retired in May 2008, looking forward to golf and enjoying time with Sara. Mike was an avid golfer, hunter, Packer fan, and enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Crivitz. For those of you who have ever played cards with Mike, you may know him as "Iron Duke." He also enjoyed and was very good at card tricks and would bedazzle people of all ages. Mike was currently a member of the Winchester Hill Couples and Men's Golf Leagues. Mike is survived by his wife of 46 wonderful years, Sara; three adoring daughters, Shelly (Shane) Anderson, of Oshkosh; Lynn (Bruce) Voss, of Grafton; and Chrissy (Ron) Kohler, of Larsen; eight grandchildren, Robert and Michael Weeks, Trace and Lane Anderson, Isaiah and Elijah Voss, and Ronnie and Marki Kohler. He is further survived by his 91-year-old mother, Grace Banta, formerly of Rothschild, now of Oshkosh; four sisters, Bonny (Dale) Northup, of Florida; Judy Banta, of Milwaukee; Susie (John) Gorski, of Oshkosh; and Debbie (Ron) Shultis, of Georgia. Mike also has aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends who will deeply miss him. Mike was preceded in death by his in-laws, Francis and Blanche Schneider; an infant daughter, Julie Ann; and his father, John C. Banta. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. (the Packer's have a bye) at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Drive, Winneconne, with Sharon Baker officiating. A Visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, on Saturday, October 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be Monday, October 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Home Cemetery, Cty Rd A in the town of Athelstane. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be established by the family to Aurora VNA Hospice and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center. Mike's family sends out a huge thanks to Aurora ICU, 2 West, and Aurora Hospice for all their gentle, understanding care. Enjoy that golf game you are now playing Mike!! Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Winneconne, WI 54986 (920) 582-4242 Please submit online condolences to www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com