Van Straten, Michael L.Michael L. Van Straten, age 78, Shiocton, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. He was born on October 7, 1939, in New London son of the late Lloyd and Marion (Lutz) Van Straten. He served his country in the US ARMY. On July 29, 1969, he married Sheryl Rusch in Shiocton. Mike was a self employed excavator; he started his business in 1967, Mike Van Straten Excavating retiring in 2007. Mike logged in the winters, did farm work and drove milk truck. He loved hunting, fishing, John Deere Tractors and going to the cabin in Mercer. He was extremely close to his grandkids and enjoyed attending their various sporting events. He loved people and especially going to breakfast with his buddies.Mike is survived by his wife Sheryl; sons, Barry Van Straten (special friend Lynn), Shiocton and Bart (Amanda) Van Straten, Clintonville; five grandchildren: Christopher (Renee), Arianna, Sterling, Lauren, and Dillon; a brother Paul Van Straten, Clintonville; sisters: Sr. Elizabeth "Betty" Van Straten, (Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph), Chicago, IL and Nancy (Steve) Rettler, Black Creek. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, sister in-law, Marsha and a great nephew Carsen Rettler.Funeral Mass for Mike will be held on Monday, November 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Denis Catholic Church, Shiocton, Fr. Richard Allen will be officiating. Visitation will be held at the St. Denis Church on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. and also on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.