Green & Gold Pride, Interview No. 1

This is the first in a series of interviews with Packers fans in Central Wisconsin throughout the 2013 season. When did their obsession begin? Who are they? Where do they work, live and play in Central Wisconsin? They are not alone, and this column will highlight one person or group in each issue. Are they competitive in their own lives? What do they serve on game day? Does their extreme liking of the team or a player filter into their home or work space?

If you know of someone to be interviewed, contact me at: casey@homebrewpress.com and in the subject area write: Green & Gold Pride.

Mike Zurfluh is a REALTOR in Wisconsin Rapids -- his office recently moved to 1111 Lincoln St. on the corner of Lincoln St. and the expressway, across from the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce building -- who is an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers. Even when he was a child, he negotiated with his mother to stay up for the late night games. Here’s a conversation with Mike.

Mary “Casey” Martin (MCM): How long have you been a Packers fan?

Mike Zurfluh (MZ): Since I was born, but I don’t cry anymore when they lose a game.

MCM: How many games do you attend each year?

MZ: I used to attend anywhere from 6-10; now it is about four. I admit that I enjoy going in fair weather, but the older I get the colder the weather seems to feel.

MCM: Have you ever missed viewing a game -- in person or via media?

MZ: Never. I’ve never missed a game. When I was little, younger, I even negotiated with my mother to stay up late for games that aired after my regular bedtime.

MCM: Do you have another fan that you watch the games with or have game dialogue (with) during the plays?

MZ: My best friend, Kory Brost, now lives in Minnesota. He and I must have 15 to 20 short conversations during each game over the phone, if we don’t go to Lambeau.

MCM: Do you have children? Are they Pack fans, too?

MZ: My two daughters, Sadie and Macie, are definitely fans of the Green & Gold. My wife, well that’s another story.

MCM: I don’t need to ask, could you explain more about your wife’s story?

MZ: When we first met she just couldn’t understand my Packers obsession, and yes, it is an obsession. Here’s an example: one Thanksgiving we were hosting my family which are all huge G.B. fans, and I simply asked if we could serve the meal at halftime, instead of the original time around noon.

She was not happy, but in the end the Packers fans in my family won out and we were able to watch the game. Over the years, she’s become a fan herself. Now she gets it.

MCM: Do you have favorite games?

MZ: First, I have to say that I’ve been lucky because for the past 16 or 17 years I host a radio show on WFHR Radio in Wisconsin Rapids, “Monday Morning Quarterback.” The show airs on Mondays at 10 a.m. during the season. So, for a number of years, I had more access to the field on game day.

Back to your question, three games come to mind:

Super Bowl (XXXI) for the 1996-97 season: I got to go to that game with my best friend, Kory. And my mother loved the Pack, and she got to see them win that game. She died the following December. Raising eight kids she rarely had the time to enjoy watching football, but she got to see them win a big one.

Brett Favre’s 200th start: Again, I had the privilege of my radio pass, so I got to go to the game and be on the field when Brett threw a kiss to his wife.

Antonio Freeman’s catch (on Monday Night Football in overtime on Nov. 6, 2000): That unbelievable catch was the winning TD against Minnesota. That was doubly sweet.

MCM: Do you have a favorite recipe or game day food?

MZ: My favorite game day food is a well-done brat with sauerkraut and all the fixings.