Obituary
Michael John Sather Jr
Michael John Sather, Jr., age 46, was called home on Wednesday, March 20. Mike was
born on April 30, 1972 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Michael Sather Sr and Mary (Muller)
Truitt.
Mike graduated from Logan High School in 1990. He was in National Honor Society and
played varsity baseball.
He married Kimberly Ann Mitchell on June 5, 1993. Together they created a family with
three beautiful children, Austin, Mason and Madeline.
Shorty after they were married Mike had the opportunity with Fastenal to work in Twin
Falls, Idaho. It was a wonderful experience for 1 1⁄2 years before returning home to be
closer to family.
Back in La Crosse, Mike went to work for the Laborers Local 140 for 9 years. Seeking out
new employment he took a position as a Conductor for BNSF for the past 13 years. As
challenging as the position was it provided Mike the experiences of traveling and living in
several states. Mike was an enthusiastic outdoors man which he learned from his dad. He loved fishing
and hunting. He shared his passion teaching his children to fish and hunt while
appreciating everything that involved. The kids have many happy memories of being at the
hunting land with their dad whether it was hiking, hunting or cutting down the family
Christmas tree.
Mike and Maddy (Missy) made the best chocolate chip cookies. They spent many a night
working on math homework.
Mike enjoyed many adventures with his family. They explored the Wizarding World of
Hogwarts, swimming with the dolphins, walking 9 -12 miles a day to take in the wonders
of Washington DC. Mike was able to see NASCAR races in North Carolina and Texas.
Visiting his mom and family in Texas was always important. One of the best trips was a
train trip to Glacier National Park with Austin and Mason.
Mike was a very proud dad of his three bright, compassionate, athletic children. He
beamed as he watched his children in sports and their academic achievements.
Mike will be forever remembered by his wife Kim, children Austin, Mason and Madeline
of La Crosse,WI; father, Michael Sather Sr. and his wife Debra of La Crosse, WI; mother,
Mary Truitt and her husband Kris of Cleburne, TX; brothers Christopher Sather and his
son Bryce of La Crosse, WI; Cade Truitt and his wife Marcia and their children Eva and
Ansel of Nashville, TN; Karl Truitt of Boulder, Co; Father in law, Jim Mitchell and his
wife Karen of La Crescent, MN; brother in law, Chad Mitchell and his wife Carol and their
children Cassandra and Owen, Grandmothers Vera Miller and Mary Muller both of La
Crosse, WI; Uncles Gary Sather of La Crosse, WI; Richard Miller, Steve Muller of La
Crosse, WI; Mike Muller and his wife Mary of La Crosse, WI; Aunt Cheryl Miller, Aunt
and Uncle Dawn and Marc Miller of La Crosse, WI; Extended brothers Christopher
Zielke and his wife Jackie, Patrick Zielke and his wife Amanda and Scott Zielke and many
cousins and amazing friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Sherman Miller and Fred Muller, his
mother in law, Sandra Mitchell and his brother Cole Truitt.
Please join us in celebrating the life of this husband, father, son, brother, grandson,
nephew and friend. Visitation is Sunday, March 31 from 2 -4 PM with a short service
starting at 4 PM. Coulee Region Cremation Group in the Prairie Room, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
My heart goes out to his family,he was my neighbor for a short time,and co worker,
I remember Mike fondly as a good friend of my son boomer and very much appreciated seeing him at my wife’s funeral. I always remember his smile that would lite up his face. Very sorry for your loss.
I am deeply saddened to hear about my friend Mike. I truly loved to get the call and know Mike was my conductor. Shared many stories of family, love of sports, hunting, fishing. He truly cared about people, especially his family and children. He would beam when talking about them. When my son was going through a medical procedure, Mike called and messaged me from Texas to offer support. That is the type of person and friend he was. The Lord has called a special Angel home. I will miss you my friend.
I’m with Wade Knutson on this. I got to know Mike from working with him in Texas. Just like Wade said, I loved hearing he was my Conductor. We had just talked about going fishing up there next Spring. He was one of the best that God broke the mold on when he made Mike. I’m praying for him and his family during this tough time. I truly loved him. He loved his family more than anything in the world. He truly glowed when we talked about our kids together. I laughed so hard listening to his stories. Rest easy buddy. I’ll see you on the other side. Here’s to you pal. Salute!!!!!!!!!!
Chris and Mike:
So sorry to hear about your brother and son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Goyette (Quillin’s)
So sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I worked with him at BNSF and know how much his kids meant to him. Thoughts and prayers to his family at this time. RIP Mike
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family. I had the great pleasure of knowing Mike at BNSF Railway and will always remember his wonderful smile and personality. Rest in peace Dear Friend.
Mary,
So sorry for the loss of your Son. Life does not give us time lines but does give us Grace.
Petra (Loomis) Schmeckpeper
Rest In Peace dear Mike. I will miss you & only wish you were still with us. You were such a calm & sweet presence.
My deepest sympathies to all who loved him.
Aunt Cheryl
It was our privilege to get to know Michael this past year when he visited his mother and stepfather in Cleburne,TX. He often would stop by Cleburne Bible Church (where I work) and ask if there was something he could do to help out. We enjoyed visiting together as we worked. He was always “bragging “ on his kids. Then, we were honored to meet the family during their trip down here. Janet and I will surely miss his quick wit and occasional dish he could effortlessly whip up on the stove. May God watch over him and give him peace.