Dec. 12, 2018 – Milwaukee, WI – Michael Joseph Danaher, 75, of Milwaukee, passed away on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee with his loving family by his side.
Mike was born on May 3, 1943 in Hanford, CA to the late Leo and Ruthanna (nee Hayes) Danaher. Mike grew up in Atchison, KS where he was a star football and baseball player and regularly served Mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church at Benedictine College. Mike graduated from Maur Hill High School and attended Kansas State University graduating in 1965. The following summer, on June 11, 1966, Mike was united in marriage to Caroline “Jenny” Greer in her home town of Topeka, KS. Later that fall, Mike attended the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, earning his Juris Doctor Degree in 1969. Following college, Mike served his country honorably as a Captain in the United States Army serving one tour in Vietnam and four years in the Army Reserves. Mike spent 42 years as a Regional Attorney for the United States Forest Service Department of Agriculture.
Mike was actively involved in Wisconsin Youth Soccer, coaching his children and numerous others for over 30 years. He was President of the Milwaukee Kickers and started the Wauwatosa Soccer Club. He enjoyed his bloodhounds, golfing, and gardening. Summers in Northport, MI were a highlight for Mike and he especially enjoyed his time with the guys in the Gertrude McDuck Coffee Club. Mike will be remembered as a loving husband and devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jenny; his four children, Patrick (Hillary) Danaher of West Bend, James (Anne Marie) Danaher of West Bend, Colin (Amanda) Danaher of San Francisco, CA, and Molly (Jeff) Godbout of West Bend; 17 grandchildren, Meghan and Sean Danaher, Tyler and Madison Porter, Charlie, Henry, Teddy, Millie, and Dommo Danaher, Madeline, Evan, Jay, and Benjamin Danaher, and Spencer, Sloan, Scarlett, and Sullivan Godbout; a great-grandson, Jaxson Matute; two brothers, Thomas (Nancy) Danaher of Bremerton, WA and Kevin (Nita) Danaher of North Little Rock, AR; and many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Mike will be held on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (1025 S. 7th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095). The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 12:00 pm until 1:45 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Humane Society of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Myrhum Patten Miller and Kietzer Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mike’s arrangements.