Michael P. Walrath

Michael P. Walrath, 55, passed away June 12, 2004 at home after a lengthy, but valiant struggle with leukemia.Mike was born December 18, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN, a son of Irving A. and Mary Phipps Walrath. He attended schools in Eden Valley and Litchfield, MN. In 1971 he graduated from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN with a degree in Industrial Technology and Business Administration.On July 25, 1970, Mike married Mary Ann Johnson at St. Peter's Parish in Park Rapids, MN. They moved to Fond du Lac where Mike began his career at Mercury Marine. He had many positions there the most recent being Product Development Manager for the outboard group. In 1995 he joined Carver Yachts as Director of Marketing. Later, he and his wife Mary ran In Stitches Embroidery, a promotional clothing company located in downtown Fond du Lac. Most recently Mike did consulting for Mercury Racing.During his life Mike had an avid interest in flying and owned a variety of airplanes.Other things Mike loved doing were boating, hiking and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Community.Despite his illness, Mike did volunteer work with the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, speaking at events and fund raising. He was an ambassador for Team-n- Training, inspiring runners and bikers to raise money and compete in marathons for leukemia and lymphoma patients. The First Connection Program was another area he chose to help newly diagnosed patients understand their disease and treatments. He currently was on the board of trustees for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and was given the 2003 outstanding volunteer award for that organization.In 2002 Mike and Mary were able to travel to Washington D.C. for a National Cancer Relay for Life held at the foot of the Capitol. They along with hundreds of other delegates were there to advocate legislators for more cancer research and educational funding. Mike felt that whatever life he had left he would use his skills to help others who would come after him.Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Mary. Two sons, Aaron Walrath of Fond du Lac and Chris Walrath of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters, Barbara (Greg) Casey of St. Cloud, MN and Kathy (Carl) Rohde of Boulder, CO.Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Fred.SERVICES: A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday June 16, at Sacred Heart Parrish. The Rev. Pat Heppe and Rev. Bob Gloudeman of Milwaukee will officiate, and interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.VISITATION: From 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15 at Uecker Witt funeral home and from 2-3 p.m. until the time of services on Wednesday, June 16 at Sacred Heart.In lieu of flowers, memorials in the name of Michael Walrath may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin., 4125 N. 124th St., Unit A, Brookfield, Wis. 53005.Uecker-Witt funeral home is serving the family.Many heartfelt thanks to all who have poured out love, prayers and strength to Mike and his family these last five years. He showed us how to live with conviction, battle with courage and die honorably. Mike ran the race to win and was a true champion.