Michael “Mike” Sanchez, age 61, of Winter, WI passed away in the arms of his wife Sunday, February 23, 2020 after a short but courageous fight against cancer.

Mike was born on September 11, 1958 in Aurora, IL, the son of Joseph and Benita Sanchez. He was united in marriage to Patricia (Fuhrman) Sanchez on April 5th, 1977 in Geneva, IL. Their marriage was blessed with two children Marisa Sanchez, Winter, WI and Michael J. Sanchez (Erin), White Pine, MI; Grandchildren Mikayla Sanchez, Deven Blair, Rydar Sanchez, and Skylar Sanchez; great granddaughter Mireya Sanchez; and K9 Kai. Mike was known to his grandchildren as “Papa Cheeto” as he loved Cheetos and always shared with them.

Mike and Pat moved to the Winter Area in 1981 as co-owners of East Fork Resort. In 1983 Mike enlisted in the military and served in the US Navy, National Guard and Naval Reserves. Mike joined the Sawyer County Sheriff Department in 1993 and served as a Road Deputy, DARE Officer, SWAT Member, Jailer and Recreation Officer. He retired in 2008. He also worked a few years as a police officer with the LCO Police Department. Mike served as a volunteer Fire Fighter for Winter Fire Department and also a volunteer EMT for Sawyer County Ambulance. He was very proud of being the founding father of what is now the Sawyer County Search and Rescue Team and served as a volunteer Team leader, K9 Handler and Tracker for over 17 years. After retirement from law enforcement, he became a safety officer for many pipeline and construction projects throughout the country ensuring the safety of others as well as the public. Given Mike’s birthdate of 9-11, it is no wonder he chose the fields of serving and protecting others his entire life.

Mike will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws, those he mentored and the many lives he saved through his passion of helping others.

Mike was proceeded in death by his grandson “Baby” Keven, his son-in-law Keven Blair, his parents, sister Linda Sanchez, brothers Henry and Joseph Sanchez, and niece Samantha Sanchez.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, February 29th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Pineview Funeral Services in Hayward, with Public Remembrance, “Cop Cakes”, Cheetos and coffee. Military Honors will be accorded by Hayward American Legion Post #218 and State of Wisconsin Military Honors Team.

Psalm 40:4 Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord!

Last Update: Feb 25, 2020 10:21 am CST