Michael J. Rieley was born in Missoula, MT on July 16, 1949, to Frank and Anita Rieley. He attended Willard Grade School, Hellgate High School, and graduated from the University of Montana with a Juris Doctorate.
In 1972, Mike married Mary Carlson of Miles City. From this union his beloved sons Michael and Patrick were born. His sons will miss him more than can be expressed.
One of his earliest and most meaningful experiences as an attorney, was clerking for Justice John C. Sheehy at the Montana Supreme Court. Mike was the East Helena City Attorney for many years while maintaining a private practice in Helena.
He was an avid runner. He loved opera, the arts, and the Grizzlies. He had a sharp wit: As his grandkids would say, “He was funny!” He was a lifelong student of everything. He had a strong sense of duty and responsibility. He was strong and passionate about his Catholic faith. But most of all, he loved his family.
He married Jeanne Ahmann on August 8, 2008. They had wonderful adventures and great trips, but above all, they enjoyed being with each other. Together they volunteered for NODA (No One Dies Alone) and were Eucharistic Ministers to the sick and dying.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne, sons Michael (Kim) and Patrick, his brother Bill Rieley (Lena), and nephews Brian, Mark, and Keith Rieley. He was their rock. He is also survived by Jeanne’s children: Rick, Drew, Jon, Josh, Sarah and Mary. He had 16 grandchildren who adored their Grandpa Mike.
We’ll love you forever!
A vigil will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. A reception will follow the Mass in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral of St. Helena. Rite of Committal will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20th at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Missoula. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s No One Dies Alone Program, Volunteer’s Department Attn: Katie Peterson, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59602, The Helena Dioces’ Guatemalan Mission Fund, PO Box 1729, Helena, MT 59634 or to the Sycamore Tree, 21592 Sycamore Tree Lane, Swan Lake, MT 59911. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Michael.
Service Schedule
Vigil
3:00 p.m.
Sunday June 18, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday June 19, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Monday June 19, 2017
Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
3:00 p.m.
Sunday June 18, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday June 19, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Monday June 19, 2017
Brondel Center in the lower level of the Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Deb Kralicek says
What a sense of humor, kind, generous man. Our deepest sympathy to you Jeanne and your family.
Jean Cronin says
Jeannie and family, I am so sad today about Mike’s passing. I liked him so much and he was such a kind person. He was too young to leave us and I imagine it will leave a terrible void in your life, as well as ours. Do know you and Mike are both in my prayers. I am sure he is in a wonderful place saved for his charitable deeds and generosity. God bless you and your family.
Jean Cronin says
I Think about Mike coming to my house to work on my Will. Not many lawyers would do that. Just a reminder of his generosity.
Dale Fleck says
Mike was a wonderful person. He and Jeanne were so regular in their attendance at Mass at the cathedral and so supportive of fine music. He will be greatly missed and I pray for him and send my condolences to Jeanne.
Kathleen and Maury Hamill says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Mike was a great guy. The world shares your saddness. God bless you all.
Jo Berg says
Michael and Patrick, and all of Mike’s family. I was so sorry to hear of your Dad’ passing. I always enjoyed chatting with him at various locations around town. I’m sending hugs, Mike and Pat!
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Conrad Eklund says
So sad and shocked to hear this news. Mike was our company attorney for many years when I worked in Wisdom. I also knew him on a personal level as a close friend. Mike always had a great sense of humor and wit which will be missed. His strong faith in Christ showed in all the good things he did for others. Jeanne, Michael Jr., Patrick, and all other family members, my prayers are with you during this time of sadness.
Delia Richlen says
Just last week Mike and I reconnected after several years and were both so excited about meeting and reliving “old times” at our upcoming 50th reunion. He was a grade school buddy a high school buddy and a Heidelhaus buddy during college. He was a good friend and a good and funny guy. I’m sorry for the lost upportunity to reconnect and remember past good times. I offer my sincere sympathy to his family. Delia Hansen Richlen
Mary Kay Bennett says
We would see Mike running around town or walking on the mall..we even saw him in the elevator in Savannah, GA.
Always a smile & friendly greeting.
George & I will miss you, Mike!
Our love & prayers to all the family.
George & Mary Kay
Bob & Catlin Marcinek says
Catlin and I are so sorry for your loss. I know you have the strength through your faith to get through this with comfort and support.
Love You
Bob & Catlin
Janet Taplett says
I am so sad that I will never be able to reconnect with Mike. I had hoped that he would be at this years HS reunion. I am happy to read that he had such a full and rewarding life. Although we went our separate ways after college, he will always be my first love. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sue and Jeff Miller says
We are so sad to realize we will not be able to enjoy Mike’s company again. It was always fun to discuss travels, books, movies, current events and religion. We will miss his wit and perspective. I know that there are so many friends and family that feel the same. Please know that while we are not able to express our condolences in person, You are all in our thoughts.
Our most sincere expression of sympathy,
Sue and Jeff Miller
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Jeanne and family,
Mike and I are still stunned and bewildered by Mike’s sudden passing. We have spent the week reminiscing our times together at the Sycamore Tree, how serious Mike was when we asked you two to stand with us for the blessing of our Marriage. Our trip to Italy, our dinners during the 2008 election where Mike was so out numbered but still could laugh and have a good time with the three of us. Watching the two Mike’s make total silliness out of everything you and I thought was serious.
We never did do Paris and New York like we planned and those dinners just got away from us and that makes both Mike and I so very sad. We somehow think we will always have forever and the older we get the more we are finding that just is not so. You Jeanne and all the family are in our prayers right now especially all those Grandchildren that loved their Grampa Mike so very much. We also send big hugs to Patrick who was so good to our Grandson Kaleb who loves Patrick so much.
There are just no words to express what we are feeling for all of you right now, I just believe that prayer will get you through this…..again.
All our love and prayers
Mike and Diane Langenfus
Cindy Hanson says
Dear Mary, gosh I dint know Mike but I wish I did. I know what he meant to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.
Cindy Hanson
Gregg Ireland says
Rieley family, I am so saddened and surprised by your dads passing. We were college roommates for three wonderful years. It just seems like yesterday we were laughing about the crazy things we did in college. It would take me many hours to tell you all the wonderful stories about your dad hopefully one day soon we can connect. I loved your dad like a brother may god bless you all as you go through this difficult time.
Pat Robinson says
Tom and I send our love. I know how happy the two of you were and it was light to us all
So anxious to be able to spend time with you, my dear friend.
Mary grace black says
Dear Jeanne. I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Mile very well but he sees to make you happy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love. Hugh and Marygrace black
Dorothy McCarter says
To Jeanne and family. I was very saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. The legal community won’t be the same without him. My very deepest sympathies.
Robert A. Giffin says
Robert and Joyce Giffin remember mike when he was a youngster.He was a pleasure to be around. I was great friend of Bill Rieley his Brother.
Condolences to the whole Family
Chuck Johnson says
To Mike’s family,
I was stunned to read of Mike’s death. I saw him at the Post Office a couple of weeks ago and we had a nice visit, just like we always did downtown and other places. He was a good man who was kind to everyone, and we’ll all miss him.
Chuck Johnson
Julie Smith says
David and I remember fondly, our chance meeting at St. Joseph’s at mass in Sandpoint and sharing an afternoon sailing Lake Pend Orielle with you and Mike. We are sending you and your family our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Julie Smith
Pam Weitz says
I worked with Mike for eight years when I worked at the State Auditor’s Office. I was very saddened when I read his obituary in the Helena IR. Mike was a very kind man and easy to work with. I would see him almost weekly at mass at the Cathedral. I am just sad and sad for his family.
Adriane Miller says
I will always remember fondly the times our families spent together when I was young. Mike was always such a kind man. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Gilda Clancy says
Dear Jeanne and Family,
Our prayers are with you! We are so sorry for your loss.
Dan & Gilda Clancy
Mike Griffith says
Jeanne, I just now (7/11) learned of Mike’s passing. It was initially joy and then shock to see his familiar shining face. The streets and sidewalks of Helena will be empty without Mike. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.