Michael W. King "Mike", age 72, of Appleton, passed on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee.  Mike was born on January 12, 1952, in Peoria, Illinois.   He and his family moved to Wisconsin, when Mike was 10 years old and called this home.
Mike attended Appleton West High School.  He was always a huge car enthusiast and enjoyed tinkering with engines.  Mike loved racing and was a member of Wisconsin International Raceway for 25 years racing in both Figure 8 and limited late model. He loved the racing community and the many friendships he made at the track.

Mike retired back in 2021 from a 28-year career with the City of Appleton as a Crossing Guard. He had the same corner and never wanted to give it up. Matthias and College Ave. He was passionate about the role of protecting the children as they were going to and coming from school. Mike built many relationships with the children and their families. He attended school concerts, graduation parties, and weddings, and was honored to know the impact he made in their lives. Even one of the students he crossed liked him so much that she married his son.

Mike married his best friend, Karie in August 1988. He only called her Karie once in a while, she was always known as "Beautiful" up to the last day he was able to speak. Mike and Karie had a blessed marriage full of love. Together they helped to raise 5 amazing children. The love that surrounded Mike when he took his final breath was felt throughout the unit of St. Lukes Medical Hospital. Many commented to the family that the love Mike helped create was evident.

Mike is survived by his wife, Karie King (Schiltz) of 35 years, his five children: Michael (Kim) King, grandchildren Conner (Maddie), Greyley, Madelyn and Rylee; Terri (Wes) King, grandsons Austin and Tyler; Patrick (Emma) King, grandchildren Lynzi, Colton and Claire; Brittney (Alex) Thompson, grandchildren Sadie and Liam;  Amanda (Courtney) King.   Mike had a special relationship with his baby sister, whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with, Jean (Mark) Olk and Ruth Schiltz, his mother-in-law, aka 'Mouthie' which was his nick name for her; sisters: Bev Hahn and Pat Brinkman; brother-in-law Rick (Michelle) Schiltz; nieces, nephews, and many other friends and family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick C. King, Maxine O. Steurer and his stepfather Ted Steurer, brother Don Steurer and his wife Gloria, his brother Bud King, brother-in-law, Larry Brinkman and Dean Hahn, father-in-law, Frank Schiltz.

Mike is loved by many, his spirit will live on as his family and friends continue to have campfires, eat at the Rusty Tractor, and from time to time watch his favorite show, Gun Smoke. Mike loved to pick on people, and he would say to them, I pick on those I love. So, if you ever had Mike pick on you, you were loved, never forget that.

Mike knew that his Faith would carry him to Heaven to see those that had gone home before him. We as a family thank him for fighting so hard to stay with us. We love you and will always listen for the cardinals!

A funeral service will take place at 6 pm on Tuesday, June 11, at Christ the Rock Church, W6254 US-10 #114, Menasha.  Friends may visit at the church on Tuesday from 3 pm until 5:45 pm.  Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Aurora BayCare Medical Center and to St. Luke's Hospital for their compassionate care.