Michael Joe Lahner went to his eternal home the day before opening fishing (May 2nd, 2025).  He passed away after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Mike was born June 22nd, 1948 to Derald and Gloria (Christenson) Lahner in Eau Claire, WI.  He was the oldest of 4 boys who all grew up in Shawtown.  He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School.  He was happily married and devoted to his wife Kathleen.

Throughout his life, Mike was employed as a bartender (Lahner's Wheel Inn), a painter, chef, and head of maintenance for Lutheran Social Services in Eau Claire.

Mike was an avid hunter who would go to ANY lengths (sitting in swamps for hours) to track the big one.  He also loved to fish walleyes, cook, play softball (Wheels), garden, ski jump (Flying Eagles), and interacting, teaching, sharing with people of all ages.

Mike was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served as a SP4 expert marksman in the 1st Cavalry Division.

Mike is survived by his children Josh (Amy) Lahner, Kaari Lahner, grandchildren Hayden, Kaatya, Tatum, Samantha, and Kjessia, sisters in law Sarah Lahner, Jeanine Lahner, Jean Brandt (George), brothers in law John (Jill) Brandt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, grandparents, parents, brothers Tom, Steve, and Poncho, parents in law Don and Barbara Brandt, and brother in law Kurt.

A special thank you to staff at Azura Memory Care of Eau Claire as well as Moments Hospice for their care, comfort, and companionship along his journey.

Family respectfully requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be held at Rod and Gun Park on the shores of Half Moon Lake in Eau Claire Sunday August 10th, 2025 from 12pm-3pm.