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Michael John Stanke

Jun 5, 1956 – Apr 7, 2021

Service Details

Services celebrating Mike’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Memorial Suggestions

In memory of Michael we ask that you offer a kind deed to someone in need.

Racine – Michael John Stanke, age 64, passed away unexpectedly as the result of an automobile accident on Wednesday evening, April 7, 2021.

The oldest of six children, Michael was born in Racine on June 5, 1956 to Karl and Doris (nee: Zilke) Stanke. A graduate of Racine Lutheran High School, Mike went on to follow in his father’s footsteps by completing a Tool and Die making program with Gateway Technical College. With a profound work ethic, he was employed by Twin Disc from 1976-1986, Jacobsen Manufacturing from 1986-2001, and Nielsen Machine Company, from 2001 until the present.

Mike was a proud and active member of Spring Street Church of Christ where he volunteered as a worship leader in song and prayer. He was also a member of Racine Instinctive Bowmen and MGV Harmonia German Men’s Chorus. His other interests included archery, woodworking, his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and helping his family and friends with his chainsaw.   Mike also took great pleasure in attending his grandchildren’s activities and sports, and could be found relaxing at the end of a busy day with a fine cigar. Mike will be remembered forever for his constant willingness to help anyone in need and always thinking of others instead of himself.

Surviving are his mother, Doris Stanke; twin sisters, Kathy (Jerry) Rubatt and Anne (Cole) Warner; brothers, Paul Stanke and John (Hollie) Stanke; step-children, Michelle (Brian) Kijek and Christopher Hall; step-grandchildren, Mikayla Stackman, Abigail Hall and Alex Jambretz; nieces and nephews, Joshua (Kelsey) Rubatt, Rachel (Scott Gorham) Rubatt, Bryan (Julie) Koch, Daniel (Madi Marsh) Koch, Mitchell Koch, Seth Warner, Krista (Justin Bernau) Coey and Kiki (David) King; grand-nieces and nephews, Brielle and Emmalynn Rubatt, Spurgeon Koch and Sutton Bernau; many other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.

Mike was greeted in Heaven by his father, Karl Stanke (who passed away in 2013) and brother, William “Billy” Stanke (who passed away in an automobile accident in 1980).

Services celebrating Mike’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. In memory of Michael we ask that you offer a kind deed to someone in need.

A public heartfelt note of thanks to those first responders, neighbors and especially innocent bystander, Jamal Hayes, who stopped to help Mike after witnessing the accident. Jamal bravely assisted Michael in his overturned vehicle and stayed with him in his final moments. It comforts our family more than you will ever know, that you were with him so that he was not alone. Jamal – you are truly a hero and did exactly what Mike would have done if he had seen someone in trouble. May God bless you for trying everything in your power to help Michael.

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Guestbook Entries

  1. Sharon Stacey Koos says

    April 13, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    Thinking of you & your family today & remembering all our childhood memories! With love, your cousin, Sharon Stacey Koos

  2. Tracie & Joe Minorik says

    April 13, 2021 at 7:30 pm

    My condolences to all of you. Mike was an amazing man .

  3. Sue DiPasquale-Peterson says

    April 13, 2021 at 8:13 pm

    Doris and family~thinking of you at this tragic time. No mother should have to go through this twice. May you find comfort and peace in your steadfast faith in Christ.

  4. Linda Holloway says

    April 14, 2021 at 10:54 am

    We will be praying for you all as you go through this process of grief and loss. May the Lord’s peace be over you all.

  5. Kathy jambretz says

    April 14, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    I took Alex to Las Vegas for his 21st birthday where he bought a cowboy hat. He wore it home and Mike was picking us up at the airport and didn’t recognize Alex with his cowboy hat on. Alex laughed and said grandpa its me….

    Mike has been there for the both of us from the beginning of our relationship (Alex was six weeks old) . He always told us he loved us and we always hugged as we parted ways.

    I will miss him, my faith teaches me he is in a better place.
    It is still hard for me knowing he will never walk up my driveway or bang on my back door. Rlp Mike

  6. Dave Chorbajian says

    April 14, 2021 at 1:19 pm

    Condolences from a years ago neighbor from Ohio Street.

  7. Diane Aiello says

    April 14, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    John, Hollie and KiKi, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the beautiful memories you have comfort you.

  8. Claudia Dederich Grabow says

    April 17, 2021 at 8:09 am

    Dear Aunt Doris, Anne, Kathy, Paul and John.
    I wish I had the words to express the sorrow feel for loss. Mike will always hold a special place in our hearts. Much love to the you all. With my deepest sympathy.

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Testimonials

October 22, 2015

Brian and the rest of the staff, we just wanted to take a moment to thank you for handling every detail of our mom’s (Vera Miller’s) funeral so expeditiously and flawlessly. Being here in North Carolina, I was worried about getting mom back to WI which was her wish. All I had to do was make one phone call to your office and you seamlessly got her from Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, NC back to WI.

All of the arrangements were so impeccable; pictures, book for signing, flowers, thank you and acknowledgement cards, arrangements with Graceland Cemetery, and even playing our slideshow with music and photos, and getting it to loop properly.

You took so much worry off of me and my siblings by professionally stepping in and handling everything for us. I was going a little crazy thinking I had to do it all, but you helped so much that we just needed to share these thoughts and feelings with others. Thank you for everything,

– Vicky Coerper, Janice Miller, Kenny Miller and Monica Bailey

Vicky Coerper

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4600 County Line Road
Mount Pleasant, WI 53403
(262) 552-9000

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