Long-time Helena resident Mike Stump passed away on September 17th while recovering from an injury. Mike was born in Lewiston, Idaho in 1926. When he was young, his family moved to Helena where he attended public schools and graduated Salutatorian from Helena High in 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy following high school and was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Helena where he met and married Lucille Rigler in 1950, together they raised four children.
Mike was involved in the sporting goods industry covering Montana and the surrounding states in the 50’s and early 60’s. Starting in the mid-sixties, he worked at Eck’s Toys and Hobbies. Then in the early 70’s he began a long career with the Montana Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, retiring in 1991.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman and instilled the love of Montana into his family through annual outings to Hebgen Lake to open many fishing seasons to weeknight fishing trips to the Little Blackfoot or below Hauser Dam to ice fishing at Canyon Ferry or Clark Canyon Dam. The Ruby River area south of Alder was, and continues to be, the family’s cherished place to go camping and conduct epic fall hunting trips lasting weeks at a time with Mike as the chief cook and bottle washer.
He and Lucy were always seen rooting for their children and grandchildren at sporting events across the state and beyond. Later in life, he and Lucy made regular trips to Las Vegas with their daughters.
Mike was a proud founding member of the Helena Fellowship Group of AA where with the mutual support of his brethren allowed him to celebrate 56 years of continuous sobriety one day at a time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Clifton “Cliff” and Bessie (Bartrow) Stump Sr., stepmother Marie (Mitchell) Stump, sister Cora Lee “Corky” (Cap) Caspersen, half-brother Clifford (Dorothy) Bayliss and an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years Lucy, children Linda Williams of New York, Bob (Donna) Stump of Sheridan, Montana, Tom (Lisbeth) Stump of Bozeman, Jean (Anthony) Strainer of East Helena, grandchildren Ben (Tanya), Patrick, Clifton (Ali), Chris (Marie), Kari (Dean Waltee), Adam (Amy), Michael (Amy), Tyler, great grandchildren Asia, Harrison, Ava, Giuliana, Bricean, Ivory; half-brother Pat (Jeanette) Stump of Kennewick, Washington.
A memorial service celebrating George’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in George’s name may be sent to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to VFW Post 10010, P.O. Box 87 East Helena, MT 59635.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday September 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N, Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m.
Monday September 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Monday September 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N, Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Eric Eck says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. So many memories. Live to all of you.
Scott St. Clair says
Lucy and the entire family, my condolences to all of you. I got to know Mike while doing their lawn care for a few years. I always enjoyed a conversation with him after the mowing was done. Rest in peace my friend Scott
Stephen Brehe says
I shared coffee virtually every morning with Mike for at least two decades. For a time we referred to ourselves as the Table of Knowledge! I don’t know how much knowledge got shared bit we always had a good time. Mike was a stalwart. Lately Anthony brought him on Saturdays, which I am grateful for. I will miss Mike but am thankful for his friendship.
Maggie (Farmer) Mccartney says
Stump family, I am sorry for the loss of your husband/father. He was a good friend to my dad and I will always remember him and your family fondly.
Henry and Kim Flatow says
Lucy and family, our thoughts are with you. Our memories of Mike go back to when my mother, Betty, worked for Stump Sporting Goods. Mike and his Dad were always so gracious to my brother Gary and myself and especially our Mother Betty. It was always great to run into Lucy and Mike at all of the various places, especially the sporting events and recently at a restaurant. He always remembered my childhood nickname and called me Punky.
Carole Busby says
You were the best neighbors in the whole world. Tim, Carole Busby & Shep
Roberta Stipcich says
Lucy and family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this hard time. Be comforted by knowing he is now resting in peace and that he watches over you.
Rick Marks says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mike was one of the first and finest people I met in the program. He was a fine example of how good life could be. I am very grateful for having known him. Rest In Peace Mike.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Sorry to read this news. Lucy and family know you in my thoughts.
Michael Glueckert says
So sorry of your loss. I sincerely am.mike taught me so much his wisdom and kindness i so appreciated. Mike was very compassionate and a good friend you could count on him. I learned from his life lessons and very blessed.he talked lots of his family and loved all very dearly. Thank you for sharing this great person in my life ill miss him at coffee. You all in my evenig prayers!mike glueckert