Michael Edwin Thunder

WISCONSIN DELLS/ MADISON – Michael Thunder, age 60, passed away of natural causes at his home on Saturday, April 14, 2012. He was born August 12, 1951 in Chicago, Ill. A very influential part of Mike’s childhood was the time spent with his grandparents in the Wisconsin Dells. Following high school he joined the United States Marine Corps. One of his major accomplishments during his 22 year career with USMC was the establishment of the Staff NCO Academy in Okinawa, Japan. He retired as Sergeant Major. Following his military career, Mike continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. After graduation he worked in various levels of health care within the Hocak Nation (HoChunk). Mike had a way with engines and machines. He could fix almost anything. Mike was very proud of his family. He was a dad who was fun loving and involved; he brought great joy and excitement to the everyday aspects of his children’s lives. Mike was an active member of Calvary Gospel Church. There he met his wife, Jeanette. They were married on July 12, 2008. Mike lived a strong, committed and apostolic lifestyle. He loved his God, his wife, his family, his friends and was an example to others on how to do the same. Mike is survived by his wife, Jeanette Thunder; children, Mike C. Thunder (Jen Amacher) of Wisconsin Dells, Michael J. Thunder of Madison, Melissa Thunder of Madison, and Eric Thunder of Madison; and his grandson, Maurice Hill, who was the light of Mike’s life. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Chadwick and Clara Thunder, Jack Thayer; and brother, Chadwick Thunder. Funeral Services will be held at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Avenue, Madison, at noon, on Friday, April 20, 2012, with the Rev. John W. Grant presiding. Burial will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells at 2 p.m. on Friday. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 19, 2012, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Memorials in Mike’s memory may be made to either Friends of Rock Island or Calvary Gospel Church Christian Intervention Program. Cemetery: Burial will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells at 2 p.m. on Friday. Memorials in Mike’s memory may be made to either Friends of Rock Island or Calvary Gospel Church Christian Intervention Program. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, April 19, 2012, and also at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Funeral Services will be held at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Avenue, Madison, at noon, on Friday, April 20, 2012, with the Rev. John W. Grant presiding.