Full Obituary

MICHAEL S. HEMPELMAN, age 53, of Thorp, passed away at Marshfield Medical Center on Monday, October 30, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Thorp Funeral Home. Rev. Tom Myhre will officiate and inurnment will take place in East Thorp Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Saturday, from 9am until time of service.
Michael Steven Hempelman was born on August 5, 1964 at Victory Memorial Hospital, in Stanley, the son of Thomas R. and Alice "Shirley" (Kostick) Hempelman. He was raised and received his education in Thorp, graduating from Thorp High School in 1983. After high school, Mike worked for his father at Hempelman Thorp Lumber. In addition to working at the lumberyard, he also hauled milk for his brother-in-law, Mike Haas, and later worked at LaGrander's Cheese Factory.
He had many interests, but especially enjoyed hunting in Wisconsin, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, fishing in Wisconsin, Canada and Devil's Lake in North Dakota, trapping, and making maple syrup.
Mike was a member of the Free Spirits Biker Club, the Roosevelt Rod & Gun Club, the Sons of the American Legion, and was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club.
He is survived by his son: Luke Bower (fiance Heather Schmitt) of Owen; his granddaughter: Taylor Bower; four siblings: Charlene (Mike) Haas of Thorp, Judy (Dennis) Salzgeber of Owen, Billie Jo (Bernie) Hempelman of Jump River, and Amy Ogle of Minneapolis, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter: Valentina Faye Schuler in April 2017; and one granddaughter: Bailey Bower.