Full Obituary

     MICHAEL K. KODL, age 23, of Thorp, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017.
     He was born the son of Kenneth and Jeanette (Palmer) Kodl on September 21, 1993, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI. Michael was raised and received his education in Thorp, graduating from Thorp High School in 2012. He then attended UW-Oshkosh and UW-Stout. Michael was employed by EJ Dairy Marketing for 3 years until recently being hired as a sales professional at Courtesy Auto & Truck Center in Thorp.
     Michael enjoyed life and all it had to offer. He loved deer hunting with family and friends, fishing, four-wheeling, working out at the fitness center, and hanging out with his many special friends. "Big Mike" was known for his infectious smile and big bear hugs. Football was his passion; he was an avid Packers and Badgers fan, as well as a skilled lineman on the football field. Michael proudly played for the Thorp Cardinals throughout his middle and high school years and then went on to play for the UW-Oshkosh Titans, Eau Claire Crush, Menomonie Thunderhawks, and most recently the Chippewa Valley Predators. According to Michael’s coaches and teammates, he was the definition of a true team player on and off the field. "The most valuable player is the one who makes the most players feel valued."
     Michael added so much fun to any get-together, whether with his large extended family or his friends. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.
     He is survived by his parents, Kenny and Jeanette; brother, Derek; and sister, Amy, all of Thorp; his maternal grandfather, Donald Palmer, Sr. of Thorp; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mary Palmer; his paternal grandparents, Albert, Jr., and Mary Kodl; uncle Donald Palmer, Jr., and uncle Ronald Kodl, Sr.
     Visitation will be held Friday, July 21, 2017 at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, in Thorp, from 4-8 p.m., and again at the church, on Saturday, July 22, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with the funeral mass to follow. Burial will be at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, in Thorp, with lunch served afterwards at the Quonset Hall.