Michael Elmer Rathke, 39, Shawano, passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at Shawano Hospital.

He was born on August 9, 1972 in Merrill to the late Ralph & Sharon (Swanson) Rathke.
Michael is survived by his brother: Luke, & his wife, Tenille, their children, Billy, Terry, Dominic, Savannah and Jazalyn, of Wausau. Also surviving are aunts & uncles; Teri (Swanson) Jim Grob, Appleton, Marilyn Rathke, Merrill, Ken (Shirley) Rathke, Green Bay, and Phyllis (Joe) Greth, Penn; his special friend, Michelle Nikolay, of Shawano. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark, and his uncle, Elroy Rathke.
Michael loved his nephews and nieces and extended family. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. His number one sports team was the Packers. Michael was involved in Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the honor of Eagle Scout. He most recently worked as a retail manager at Office Max in Rib Mountain.
A Memorial Service will be held 2 PM Sunday, February 26, 2012 at St, Stephen’s United Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Boy Scouts of America, St.Stephen’s Church of Merrill or the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.