Dr. Michael Harkins Obituary

On July 3rd, 2025, Dr. Michael David Harkins closed his eyes here on earth and opened them in heaven where he beheld his Lord, his beloved wife, Cindy, and the wonderful English Setters dogs that he had the pleasure of sharing his life with over the years. He passed away after a long brave battle with colon cancer.

Dr. Mike, as his patients affectionately referred to him, was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on March 24,1959. He was one of nine children, born to William B and Marcia Harkins (Dyckhoff). Mike graduated from Rhinelander High School 1977. He graduated from UW Eau Claire in 1980, then graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University, College of Chiropractic, in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 1983. He began a practice in Merrill, Wisconsin for nine years, before moving to De Pere, Wisconsin where he established his practice for 31 years. He maintained a very successful chiropractic clinic until he was forced to retire because of illness.

Mike married the love of his life, Cindy (Bretl) at Saint Joseph Church, in Rhinelander, on August 2, 1980. They remained happily married and until her death on January 15, 2015. They had two sons, Michael (Menasha) and Kristopher (Fox Crossing), who both survive their parents. Mike is also survived by five brothers, Pat (Sharon) Woodruff, Paul (Andrea) Marshfield, Dan (Jody) Minocqua, William (Mary Ellen) Vero Beach, and Steve (Swanny) Tucson, AZ. Mike was preceded in death by his wife Cindy, his parents, brothers Tim and John, a brother, and a sister Sheila. Dr. Mike enjoyed anything associated with the outdoors. Growing up he enjoyed the water and woods around the family home on Velvet Lake. Mike was the captain of the track and cross-country teams in high school and was a champion runner. He especially liked hiking the trails of Northern Wisconsin with his dogs. He loved dogs very much, and it was not uncommon for his patients to bring their dog to the office while they received a treatment.

Mike will be cremated, and his remains placed alone side of his wife Cindy at the Catholic Cemetery in Rhinelander. A small Celebration of Life, for family and close friends, will be held in Green Bay at Good News Church, 1966 Commercial Way in Green Bay on July 19th, 2025, from 1:00-4:00pm. Mike wishes to send thanks and love to all who trusted him over the years with their health and friendship. Mike's parting message is John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, even though they die, yet they shall live."