Michael W. Altepeter

NAME Michael W. Altepeter,age 87, of Maple Park, IL, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2006 at Bethany Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in DeKalb. BORN:He was born December 17, 1918, the son of Stephen and Johanetta "Nettie" (Deutsch) Altepeter on the family farm in Virgil. EARLY YEARS : Mike would spend his first 30 years on the family farm and in between chores he attended S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic School. Following graduation, He went on to attend St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN for a year and a half before returning home to the farm. MILITARY: In 1941, Mike heard the call of his country and served it well as a medic in England, Africa, Italy and France. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returning to civilian life back in Virgil where he continued to work on the farm, haul milk, tended bar and honed his skills as a carpenter so no matter where there was a need, Mike was always there to help. MARRIAGE It was on April 23, 1949 that he married his wife Rita V. Peterson at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in St. Charles. They began their new life together in Wasco for three years before moving to Maple Park where they would make their home for the next fifty years. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY As soon as he returned from the service, Mike began working for Vincent Schuh at the grain elevator for ten years before he got his start in construction, eventually working for the union hall in DeKalb. At age 62, Mike had to retire due to union regulations, but he never stopped working. He continued to work and live by his mantra of, "Never do anything twice-do it right the first time", until his body became unable to keep up with his spirit. MEMBERSHIPS Mike was a member of the Maple Park American Legion Post #312, the carpenters union, and was a 55 year member of The Foresters. He was also a faithful member of the Church of St. Mary in Maple Park. LIFE NOTES Mike had a great memory for history. Whether it was tales of his own heritage or events that happened around the world, he was never in doubt of the facts. He loved crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and never missed a turned letter by Vana White on Wheel of Fortune. All these were trumped, however, by his long time love and support for his beloved Chicago Cubs. SURVIVORS He now leaves his two children:Steven Altepeter of Maple Park, IL andMartha (Steve) Maxstadt of Sycamore, IL. Two grandchildren:Ryan (Lisa) Thompson of Sycamore, IL and Megan Maxstadt of Aurora, IL;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED He now joins his wife Rita and nine siblings:George, Joe, John, Henry, Phil, Leo, William and twins in infancy, Charles and Anna who preceded him in death. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name to benefit the DeKalb County Hospice or in his memory to a charity of your choice. Checks may be made to the "Michael Altepeter Memorial " and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., with a wake service to be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A mass to celebrate his life will be held at the Church of St. Mary, Maple Park, on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Joachim Tyrtania, pastor of the church, will officiate

Interment will follow the service at S.S. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Virgil, Il.