Keith M. "Mike" McCollum

Keith “Mike” McCollum, 72, of Town of Clayton, passed away October 27, 2020.

Mike was born in Appleton WI to Elmer and Vione McCollum on August 19, 1948.

In 1968, when the draft started for Vietnam, dad chose to enlist in the United States Army at the age of 18. He gallantly served in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, one for Valor among other awards.

Mike is survived by his children; Sara, Caryn, Angela, Carlton and Gavin; grandchildren Kim, Sam, Sydney, Kate, Charlie, Easton, Tyler, Mia and Emma; and great grandchildren, Presley and Kinsleigh. Mike will be missed by his dogs; Digger and Addy.

After serving in Vietnam, Dad worked at Tuttle Press/Artfair and Valley Packaging where he retired.

Dad returned home with the demons of the war but battled back like the true Warrior that he was. Many thanks to his comrades at the Genesis Club. Dad spent countless hours over the years hosting AA meetings at local prisons to the inmates.

He was a man who loved all his kids something big and his grandkids even bigger. His life was spent working hard and being a good provider, always humble. A helpful friend, generous neighbor, a jokester, chocolate giver, hospital volunteer and passionate animal advocate for rescues. Dads love for animals was probably where you found the gentlest part of his soul. He devoted hundreds of hours saving animals with OBAH S&R Team, driving thousands of miles across the country the past seven years. Handing a rescue over to their forever family made his heart so proud.

Our family is beyond grateful to Dr Mielke- you gave us 7 more months with dad, Dr Chapman, Dr Burkett- you were chosen from Heaven for dad, Dr Valla, Dr Weiss, Stacy RN- you were my saving grace, the nurses at AMC & Theda Neenah. Social Workers at the VA- Nicole & Greg. Lydia at Veterans Affairs. Davey- you were dads bestest, there’s not enough words…we love YOU!

Never forget the difference you make in people’s lives. Thank You!

Me: “Dad, why is that rubber band around the radio dial?”

Dad: “To make little girls like you ask questions…”

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you

God Speed our Hero

We’ve got it from here Dad

Memorial services for Mike will be held on Wednesday, November 4^th at Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha, at 6:00 PM with military honors. Visitation at the funeral home from 4:00 PM until the time of services. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

For those who are unable to attend, the funeral services for Mike can be viewed through his obituary page on Wednesday November 4th at 6:00 PM.