DE PERE (NBC 26) — Sunday, Uncle Mike's Bake Shoppe announced the saddening news that owner Michael "Uncle Mike" Vande Walle had passed away.
Uncle Mike passed away Thursday after battling COVID-19. He was 63.
"I think God must of needed Kringle for Christmas and this is why he needed him," said his wife Mary, shoppe co-owner. "Please understand we might not be able to make everything that Mike did, but we will try our hardest."
The De Pere bakery first opened in 2001. It quickly became world-renown although only having locations in Green Bay, De Pere, and Suamico.
"Your support and prayers for our family will be the most appreciated," said Mary. "We are so very fortunate to have so many wonderful, caring customers in our community that loved Mike so much. He will be deeply missed."
According to Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, a funeral will be held for Uncle Mike on December 26. Staff said in lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be created in his honor.