Joseph "Mike" White

Joseph “Mike” White, age 74 of Appleton, WI passed away on September 21, 2023.  He was born to James and Elsie (Haukkala) White on December 7^th, 1948 in Chicago, IL.  Mike graduated from Dundee Community High School with the class of ’66 and enlisted in the US Navy in 1970.  He completed basic training, entered active duty in 1971, and was honorably discharged from the military two years later as the Chief Hospital Corpsman in 1973.  After his time in the Navy, enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Superior and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1976.  Mike then accepted an offer from the City of Appleton and was employed in the Appleton Public works for 27 years, retiring as a supervisor in 2009.  Mike met the love of his life, Cindy Wald in 2002 and although they were never married, they combined their families from previous relationships to form one big family. 

Mike was the embodiment of “tough, but fair.”  On the outside, he was very stoic, but as much as he hated to admit it, he had a soft, caring side.  Mike wanted his kids to be strong and independent but was willing to help mold them to be the men he wanted them to be.  In his free time, Mike loved fishing and carpentry, but especially enjoyed gardening.  He was always growing something in his yard or even on his porch – vegetables, flowers, and spices (especially mint!) were always present under his green thumb.  Much to his siblings’ dismay, Mike was a Vikings fan through and through.  Mike enjoyed spending time out in nature at his cabin on Fay Lake with his family.  He enjoyed distributing his experience and knowledge of his interests, such as mechanics, maintenance, and fishing, with his sons.  Mike was so proud of his family and loved spending as much time with them as he possibly could. 

Mike is survived by his life partner, Cindy; his son, Zachary; Cindy’s daughters, Becky and Brenda; Cindy’s grandchildren, Brittany, Kayden, Isaiah, Erik, Emanuel, Jonathan, and Ivelisse; his sister-in-law, Judy White; his lifelong best friend, Ronnie; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends. 

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie; his sons, Jordan and Joshua; and his brother, Dennis. 

A memorial visitation will be held for Mike from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service starting at 6 PM.  Mike will be laid to rest privately at King Cemetery in Waupaca, WI at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Mike’s honor.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Aseracare Hospice for all their care and compassion shown to Mike in his times of need.

We love you, you stubborn Finlander.