Michael "Mike" Shokatz

April 3, 1947 - June 21, 2024

Michael "Mike" Shokatz Obituary

Michael Shokatz Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the forthcoming celebration of the remarkable life of Michael "Mike" Shokatz Jr. on Friday, June 28, 2024. Loved deeply by his wife of 56 years, Jan (nee Just), and revered as a devoted father to Jennifer (Mark) Butenhof, Jean (Jeff Henderson) , Andy (Nikki) Shokatz, Joe (Vicky) Shokatz, and his honorary son, Robert (Jamie) Thompson. Mike's legacy lives on through the cherished memories he created with his adored grandchildren: David, Michael, Jack (Mikaela), Sophia, Max, Della, Lucy, Lincoln, Paige, Nate, and Olivia. Preceded in death by his parents Michael and Mary Shokatz; Marge (Don) Wattawa and Francine (Ray) Fabry; his in-laws, Carol and Don Greenwood. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other family, friends, the HST Family and his Fluffy Pal, Roxy.


A retiree from the Milwaukee Public Schools system, Mike found pride in his service as a Warehouse Manager. A distinguished veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he proudly served in the 1st reconnaissance battalion, Bravo Company. Adding to his impressive resume, Mike was a loyal member of the Codgers and Sons Softball team for over 54 years.


Join us in honoring Mike's life at his visitation at the Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes Bay View Chapel on June 28, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon. A Time of Sharing will take place at 12 Noon, followed by Military Honors at Woodlawn Cemetery.


Gratitude is extended to the compassionate staff at Froedtert Hospital, particularly the CFAC and ICU teams, and VITAS Hospice for their unwavering care. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mike’s family are greatly appreciated.

What can I say about this man...friend, father, Marine. People often say,"He is now in a better place." and this is true but we are all now in a lesser place because he is no longer with us.
Semper Fi, Mike!

"Shadows are fallin' and I'm runnin' out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while
When you get up in the mornin' and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for a while
There's a train leavin' nightly called "When All is Said and Done"
Keep me in your heart for a while..."
— Warren Zevon
Keep Me In Your Heart

Posted by, Bill Tidler Jr.  June 29th, 2024

Grangkids
Mike loved all 8 of his grand kids. He had a special bond with each and every one of them. He enjoyed spending time with each, weather it be getting down and playing Legos, swinging on the swings, playing dominoes, or traveling to China to visit, loyal to them all.

Bravo Company

September 1968 - September 1969

Bravo Company Reunions

Las Vegas, Nevada

For over 50 years Tuesday nights were set aside for friends, fun, drinks, and a little softball. While my Dad did not make a big impact on any individual game, rarely playing at all, he was an itergral Part of Codgers and Sons longevity and success both on the field and off. He loved his Tuesday nights. He loved being the official statistician of the team, spending countless hours on creating the Codgers and sons bible. With almost all 50 plus years of stats for just about everyone who ever suited up. He loved sending out the weekly updates and game recaps. He enjoyed keeping everyone up to date on games, events, and peoples well being. He especially liked little home made treats that people would bring to partys and gatherings….

Posted by, Jennifer Butenhof  - July 2nd, 2024

Looking forward to cooking out, rest, peace & quiet, sitting around the campfire with a brandy old-fashioned sweet & listening to the loons & some old tunes with family & friends.

While a great one to try and live by, my dad followed a different motto. One that he didn’t really talk about, or force on anyone, but it was just how he lived his life. I believe that he was born and raised with this belief, but it was really cultivated after high school when he joined the US MC.

The motto that he followed was the Marine Corps motto

Rest  In Peace, Mike