Obituary of Michael Leon Foley

Michael Leon Foley, age 71, entered his eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Lucas Proeber will officiate. Entombment will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation for family and friends will take place at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home on Friday, August 17, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and again from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the church.   Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Mike was born on May 13, 1947 in Wisconsin Rapids to Leon and Emily (Pelot) Foley.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church.  He graduated from Lincoln High School as a member of the Class of 1965.

Mike served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. He was stationed in Texas, Japan, and Delaware. After being honorably discharged, Mike and his daughter Christine moved back to Wisconsin.  He was reintroduced to and married his childhood friend’s sister, Marilyn Plowman, on October 30, 1976 at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church.  They were blessed with a son, Shawn.

He worked in many skilled trades, including as an automotive salesman at Woolco, a furniture and floor covering salesman at Johnson Hills, the head sawyer at Hamel Forest Products, followed by several positions at McCain Foods (Ore-Ida). He finished his career at Carpets Plus, as a floor covering salesman, until his retirement in 2010.  Mike enjoyed his activities at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church where he served on the Board of Elders, the Board of Outreach, taught Sunday School, Bible Classes, and VBS, and participated in the Jesus Cares ministry.   Mike loved to read, work on wood carvings, and watch NASCAR races.  He had very fond memories of deer hunting with the Foley clan at Uncle Tim’s place, “Foley’s Mountain” on Ridge Road.  Mike, and his brother Tom, created lasting memories on their many fishing trips. He passed on his love of hunting and cooking (especially his spaghetti) to the grandchildren. Mike could often be found taking the dogs for a walk around Lake Wazeecha or to the dog park.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn: children: Christine (Chad Kuehl) Foley, and Shawn Foley; grandchildren: Justin (Maria Araco) Hansford, Amanda (Isaiah Maya) Hansford, and Korrissa (Troy Pilarski) Hansford; great-grandchildren: Ryland, Amyah, Jaxson, Rogue, Kydin, and Dylen.  He is further survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Ron Markworth, Ron (Amy) Plowman, and Doug (Jane) Plowman.  In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Foley; grandparents: Harold Foley, Louise Vosburg, Bernard Pelot, and  Elizabeth Pelot; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Dorothy Plowman; and a sister-in-law, Donna Markworth.   

Memorials may be designated to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the South Wood County Humane Society.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Arborview Court and Heartland Hospice. 

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”