Michael James Van Epps

Age 42, of Waupaca, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 while working out of town in Augusta, Georgia. He was born on December 20, 1968 in Appleton, son of James and Patricia (Dawson) Van Epps. Mike worked successfully as a millwright for Wisconsin Feed Mill Builders, Waupaca Foundry and CR Meyers. He never shied away from work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Mike was a selfless person who put others before himself and had a sweet spirit that shined through. Mike was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed boating, fishing and many forms of hunting. He was well accomplished and able to obtain many trophies from the woods and fields while at the same time being humble enough to volunteer as the "deer camp cook". He also loved to work with his hands and had a special talent for woodworking. It's an understatement to say that Mike was a family man as he cherished his time spent with his family. He loved his children and family immensely and delighted in being called Papa by his grandchildren. Mike had many close friends and will be missed dearly.

He is survived by his parents, James and Patricia Van Epps; his wife Shannon; three children: Julia Van Epps, Wesley (Jalene) Van Epps and Mitchell Van Epps; two step-daughters: Brianna Andersen and Hannah Andersen; two grandchildren: Chloe Beisner and Haiden Van Epps; siblings: Kay (Ward) Rehbein, Bruce (Sheri) Van Epps, Kim (Paul) Block, Angela Van Epps, Michelle Van Epps, Shane Van Epps, Tammy Van Epps and Melissa Van Epps; nieces: Brooklyn (Eric) Fisher and Kaitlin Block; nephews: Jordan Rehbein and Taylor Block.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert Sr. and Phyllis Van Epps, Jo Osgood, Ralph and Martha Dawson.

The funeral service for Mike will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Assembly of God in Waupaca (1420 Berlin St.) with Rev. Roger Roth officiating. A private family burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Weyauwega following the service. Friends may call at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega on Monday, January 17, 2011 from 4-8 p.m. and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.