Michael Francis Roe

Our friend, Mike Roe, died unexpectedly yesterday.

His absence leaves a gaping hole in the Northwoods as one of the most unique, unusual, idiosyncratic, loving people we know.

The first thing I think about Mike, after I think of his raucous sense of humor, is his faith. An Irish-Catholic, Mike originally intended to become a priest, and eventually changed his mind and came to the dark side--teaching first, then practicing law.

Mike's faith, to the uninitiated, might seem incongruous to his behavior. His faith was a strong, unwavering constant in his life. Ann had many long conversations with Mike about his religious faith, stressing unerring logic and usually ending with, "That's the mystery of faith."

His love of the Packers and the Cubs was as strong and unwavering. As a boy in DePere he would go to massin Green Bay on Saturday with the hope of seeing Vince Lombardi. He was rarely disappointed.

Almost every other part of Mike's life, certainly his work life, wavered. One of the most talented attorneys in the area, if not the state, he more than once forgot the minutiae required in the profession. His broad intellect would have him talking about the rivalry between the Brewers and the Cubs in one breath. In the next he would be speaking perfect Latin.

Mike's faith in the Cubs is reflective of his intelligence and temperament. In fact one of the last conversations I had with Mike a couple of weeks ago was about the Cubs. I mentioned that this year was (and is) shaping up to be one of those special years for the Cubs where they seem unable to do anything wrong.

Without hesitation he referred me to this article, written by Doug Glanville, a former Cub. Immediately I was reminded. Nothing is preordained; everything happens in its own time.

Ann tells many endearing stories about him. Here's only one. In 1989 the Rhinelander Mock Trial team that won the national tournament, was coached by Ann and Mike. Neither, being particularly fond of flying, required sustenance in the form of cold, adult beverages, sometimes, numerous, cold, adult beverages. Returning from Louisville after winning the national championship, seemed to call for even more than might normally be required.

Just as they were approaching Irish courage the team of high schoolers dragged them out of the bar in order to make the flight.

Mike was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather and good and faithful friend.

We would all be fortunate to be known as such.

For a more complete biography, click here.