Michael P. Broeren

Michael Broeren passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on April 22, 2014. Mike was born on May 25, 1960 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, the loving son of Alverne (Eiting) and Paul Broeren. Mike grew up in a family of eight boys. Mike's Mom and Dad provided a loving home filled with the action that only eight boys could bring. Mom and Dad were wonderful parents who allowed their sons the freedom to explore the world around them while offering them the comfort and stability of a home filled with the wonderful smells of apple cake and homemade bread.

Mike was preceded in death by an infant sister Margie, maternal grandparents Lester and Cora Eiting, and paternal grandparents William and Kathryn Broeren.

Mike is survived by his parents: Paul and Alverne Broeren of Manawa; brothers and sisters-in-law: Karl (Mary) Broeren of Northwood North Dakota, James (Bev) Broeren of Sherwood, Dale (Marcia) Broeren of Neenah, Roy (Cathy) Broeren of Fort Collins, Colorado, Dave (Sandy) Broeren of Kaukauna, Chuck (Sue) Broeren of Kaukauna, and John (Laurie) Broeren of Hilbert. He is further survived by his beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, all of whom had a warm and special relationship with their Uncle Mike. Mike is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins whom he always held dear and with whom he made a point of maintaining close relationships.

Mike's gentle and kind thoughtfulness brought many treasured friends into his life. Some of Mike's closest friends shared his entire lifetime with him. They are his extended family and each one of them brought unique gifts and wonderful memories that enriched Mike's life.

Mike grew up in Sherwood Wisconsin, and graduated from Kaukauna High School and Fox Valley Technical College. Mike worked as a Welder at Pierce manufacturing for over twenty-seven years. Mike was respected and valued in the work place. He demonstrated an excellent work ethic and was very proud of his outstanding attendance record. Mike loved his job and the rich relationships with the people in his work life. We thank the Pierce family for being part of who Mike was and for the outpouring of support to our family during this difficult time.

Mike had three passions beyond his love of family and friends.

His curiosity and quest for knowledge of history, especially local history, lead him to many auctions, conversations, and people with memories and wisdom of days gone by. Mike's respect and reverence for their stories and mementos lead him to many relationships and developed him as a collector and expert, especially of Sherwood mementos. In the summer of 2013 he displayed his Sherwood treasures much to the delight of many people from the community. Mike was a proud member of the Appleton and Outagamie County Historical Society and regularly participated in the events displaying local history.

Mike was an excellent photographer. He captured moments and memories at every occasion. He loved nature and travel and blended the two beautifully as documented in thousands of pictures.

Finally, Mike loved his motorcycle. An avid and skilled biker – he spent many hours with friends, brothers and nephews traveling with the wind in his face and soaking up the exhilarating freedom only riding on his Goldwing could bring. He was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association.

Mike you lived a life so full and touched so many in your short 53 years. We will miss you more then we can say. But we know you have left so much of yourself behind in our hearts and our memories. Thank you for always giving without being asked, for finding everyone you met interesting, for sharing your excitement about your passions, for being so happy to spend time with the people you loved, for enjoying a great meal with so much gusto, for being excited and grateful for so little, and for always being there whenever we needed you.

Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories of Mike at the Wichmann Tri County Chapel 1592 Oneida Street in Menasha on Sunday April 27, 2014 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial fund to benefit some of Mike's favorite charities. Contributions can be made through the memorial envelopes available at the service. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com