Michael Joseph Sikora "Mike" passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022. He was born in Antigo, Wisconsin on November 27, 1944 to Frank and Eleanor Sikora (nee Stolzman). He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosalie Fleischman and brother Robert Sikora.

Mike attended St. Hyacinth's Catholic School and Antigo High School. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force and served from September 1965 to October 1968, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Mike was in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was awarded the Bronze Star, with V for valor. The citation reads in part that Sergeant Sikora distinguished himself by heroism while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at Kontum Army Airfield, Vietnam. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Mike attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the GI Bill.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Business in 1973.  Mike and his wife, Ellen Reifschneider, met while students at UW-Madison.  They were married at the University Catholic Center in 1974.

In 1981 he moved to Green Bay to work as a truck driver for Fort Howard.  He worked for many years with his co-worker Robin. They were known as the tourists as they would take what opportunities they could to sightsee new cities that they visited. He worked for Fort Howard/Georgia-Pacific for 30 years.

Mike's greatest enjoyments were his family, outdoor activities and traveling.  A loving father, he always tried to make time for his sons and instill in them a love of nature and the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed hunting in the woods north of Antigo for deer and pheasant and trips to Wyoming hunting for mule deer.  One of his favorite fishing sites was on Lake of the Woods in Nestor Falls Canada.  He spent many spring/summer trips to that area.  His sons, a nephew, and friends accompanied him on a number of his hunting and fishing trips.

Mike loved to travel.  One summer he and Ellen, using a van, traveled from Madison to Mexico City, up the west coast of Mexico and the U.S. to Idaho, through Canada to Maine, and finally over to Nova Scotia. He loved telling stories about this trip. After Erik and Erin arrived, they would pack up the car and travel around the United States.  He especially loved visiting his in-laws in Maine.  Maine blueberries and lobster bakes on the shore were always a must.

When his sons were in scouting, Mike volunteered as an Assistant Scout Master.  He enjoyed the weekend campouts and summer fun at Camp Bear Paw. The scouts affectionately called him "Papa Smurf". He especially enjoyed the three scouting trips canoeing on the Boundary Waters.

The extended Sikora Family is quite large and Mike loved visiting; including his parents, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins.  An avid talker, he loved nothing more than a cup of coffee and chatting around the kitchen table.

Survivors include Ellen and sons Erik and Erin (Christine), and granddaughters Paige and Alana.  His sister Judy Buettner (Keith), niece Sara Steinke (Scott), and nephews Luke Buettner (Sarah), Allen Fleischman and Tracy Fleischman (DeAnne). And grand nieces and nephews Tucker and Jamie Steinke, Emma and Zackary Buettner, Logan Fleischman, Karissa Otto (Shane), Westen, Oaklyn, and Burkley Otto.

Our thanks to all of Mike's care givers and physical therapists for their thoughtfulness and concern. Mike knew many as friends and often had affectionate nicknames for them.  He knew who was getting married or dating, what their children were doing, and what courses they were studying.  Even at the difficult times, he knew that they cared.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Donations in Mike's memory may be made to your favorite charity. Condolences may be extended to Blaney Funeral Home www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .