Former National Muscular Dystrophy Association Goodwill Ambassador Mike Neufeldt has passed away



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Some sad news about a man many FOX6 viewers got to know: former National Muscular Dystrophy Association Goodwill Ambassador Mike Neufeldt has passed away.

Neufeldt battled muscular dystrophy, and on Tuesday, March 17th, his heart gave out. But that heart touched more lives both in and out of the sports world than anyone can imagine.

Neufeldt served as the MDA National Goodwill Ambassador in 1987 and 1988. He called those two years the best of his life.

He counted actor and comedian Jerry Lewis as one of his many friends on the MDA team. Neufeldt was on the MDA Labor Day Weekend telethon -- first at FOX6, and then at Channel 58. He did McDonald's commercials with Michael Jordan when the basketball icon had hair. When the Chicago Bulls came to town, Jordan always found time to come say "hi."



Neufeldt couldn't play sports, but they were his passion. He became such a big part of his New Berlin Eisenhower basketball team that the Lions named the field after him.

Muscular dystrophy didn't prevent Neufeldt from graduating from Marquette University as a Burke Scholar for his academic achievements and community service.

Neufeldt majored in broadcast and electronic communications with a minor in marketing. He was certified in web page design and he worked at Harley-Davidson in online programs and operations.

Neufeldt was 37 years old, but he got more out of life than most of us will if we live to be 100.

Mike Neufeldt