Myron “Mike” “Lou” Gehrig

Myron “Mike” “Lou’ Gehrig, age 92, of Rhinelander, died peacefully on May 5, 2024 at the Season of Life Hospice in Woodruff, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 29,1931, in Medford, the son of Benjamin and Viola (Strub) Gehrig.

Mike was raised in the Medford area and attended schools there graduating from high school in 1949. He met his future wife and they dated during high school. After graduating in 1949, Mike then enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served with the 187 Regimental Combat team, 11th Airborne division. He was stationed overseas in Japan and then deployed to Korea during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged in 1954, he returned home and married his high school sweetheart Marie Rhyner on October 23,1954 in Westboro. God blessed them with nearly 65 years of marriage and a wonderful family. The couple eventually moved to Rhinelander where they raised their family.

Mike initially managed offices for Household Finance around the state for 8 years and then was hired at Rhinelander Savings and Loan, which became Heart O’ Lakes Savings and then Security Bank. Mike was nicknamed “Lou” in his banking years. He retired in 1995 after 31 years at the Rhinelander location.

Mike was very active in the community. He was a member of the Rhinelander Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the VFW and served terms as president for several of these organizations. He was a member in each one for over 50 years. He and his family were also members of the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church since moving to Rhinelander. He served on several church boards over the years. His love of his Lord and Savior could be seen in how the couple raised their family.

Myron was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, his yearly trip to South Dakota pheasant hunting and to the annual deer camp in northern Wisconsin. He also enjoyed reading, golfing, and watching any sporting event, especially if his family was involved. He and Marie always looked forward to watching their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in their many sports activities. Most of those activities he participated in at the family cabin on the lake, which was his favorite place away from home. He loved spending time on the deck just looking out at the lake, enjoying a beer and reminiscing about the days activities with family and friends.

Myron is survived his children, Brian (Nancy) Gehrig, Gwen Wanty, and Brock (Victoria) Gehrig; his grandchildren, Ryan (Heather), Ben (Eva), Alicia (Ian), Brett, and Katrina (Kyle); great-grandchildren, Grady, Dillon, Bradley, Caleb, Jacob, Connor, Reese, Adeline and Amelia; nieces, nephews, other family, and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie; his parents; a sister Janet Pascal; brother Galen Gehrig; 3-year old sister Germaine; grandson Chad Gehrig; and a son-in-law, James Wanty Sr.

Visitation for Mike will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at noon, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, all at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. Father Chris Kemp will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Cemetery. A memorial will be established in Mike's name and any gifts may be directed to his family. The family would like to thank the many Aspirus medical team members, the Rennes home care group, and the Seasons of Life Hospice team for the care they gave our Dad. 

You may leave your private condolences for the Gehrig family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Gehrig family.