LeRoy John “Mike” Michalson, age 93, of Helena passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2015 in Helena. LeRoy was born in Velva North Dakota, November 28, 1921 to John and Lillian (Norberg) Michalson.
He received his education in Northeastern Montana. He enlisted into the United States Army September 10, 1938. He entered on September 16, 1940 serving in the186th Infantry Regiment as a Sergeant and was honorably discharged June 27, 1945.
LeRoy made his home in Helena following World War II. He worked as an electrician for Allen Electric and was the head electrician for Kaiser Cement until his retirement in the mid 1980’s. LeRoy was a kind, caring and passionate man. These traits were shown in the many of the civic organizations he supported and was a member of.
LeRoy met Minnie Mae Erickson a widowed in 1962 with a two sons, Eric and Stephen. LeRoy and Minnie Mae met through mutual friends and they were married in Las Vegas in 1967. They had a daughter, Florence Lee. Minnie Mae and Mike were in the Landlord Business in the 70s and 80s and owned several different apartment buildings, in which most of Helena rented from them at that time.
Many of the people in Helena would remember him from the Sons of Norway, Helena Coral, Morning Star Lodge # 5 A.F. & A.M., York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite Bodies, Algeria Shrine, Royal Order of Jester’s, Miriam Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star, Helena Assembly #7 Rainbow Girls Helena Trial Riders, Helena Snowdrifters, The Westerners and the Elks Lodge here in Helena. LeRoy and his wife Minnie Mae were also devoted members of the Helena First Baptist Church.
LeRoy loved spending time at his property near York, hunting, fishing snowmobiling camping and golfing with friends. He traveled to many places around the world. He sponsored kids for the Shrine Hospital in Spokane, volunteered at the Veteran Medical Center at Fort Harrison, Montana. He was also active in the Jerry Lewis Telethons and the Military Museum and Military Wine Fairs and assisted his daughter and son-in-law in transporting lawn mowers for Precision Small Engines..
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Minnie Mae and five of his siblings. He is survived by his son, Eric (Trudy) Erickson of East Helena; daughter, Florence (Josh) Liston of Helena; grandchildren, Aimee Ager-Erickson of Helena, Lesley (Jeremy) Ward of Helena, Jacob and Seth Liston of Helena; sister Beverly Friede; great grandchildren, Kolter, Kaitlyn, Jozef and Troy along with many other family and friends.
A graveside service with Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 29th at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Consistory Algeria Shrine Temple on Jackson Street. Memorials in LeRoy’s name are suggested to the Transportation Fund C/O Algeria Shrine P.O. Box 1174 Helena, Montana 59624 or to the Montana Military Museum, P.O. Box 125, Fort Harrison, Montana 59636.
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Tom Naegele says
Family & Friends,
Leroy was a very good man and friend. My Dad, Jack Naegele and I send our Prayers of Sympathy and Support to the Michalson Family and Friends.
Lolly Fraser says
Leroy has been a good friend to me and my childern for more than 50 years. Happy Trails my Freind, Lolly.
Florence Liston says
I am a very lucky girl to have Mike as my dad! I will always remember dancing and snowmobiling with him. Even though my heart is sad, I know that he is dancing with my mom in heaven.
Elaine Cooper Power says
I have known “Mike” for many years and I am blessed to have had him as a friend. And of course your mother, Minnie Mae, and I go back years further. May God bless you, comfort you and give you peace.
George and Jackie Lloyd says
Florence,
So sorry for your loss. May he and your Mom rest in Peace.
Art & Clara Gilreath says
Our sincere thoughts and prayers go to the family of “Mike”. He was a good friend for years and a very honorable man. God bless
Senator Mary Caferro says
To Mr. Michalson’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Mr. Michalson when we worked together on the resolution commemorating the 163rd infantry regiment on the 70th anniversary of the battle of Sanananda, New Guinea. Mr. Michalson lead the charge along with his colleagues. Senate Joint Resolution 21 passed unanimously in 2013 thanks to their hard work. I really appreciated his commitment to our country, his service and his continued service through out his life. Mr. Michalson was a kind and wonderful person.
Cindy Rice says
Dear Leroy Michalson family,
We were sorry to learn that Leroy passed away last year. My husband, Lon, knew him from his days working at Kaiser Cement and I was lucky enough to meet and visit with him and Minnie Mae once in the mid 1980’s and they took Lon and me on a wonderful snowmobiling trip. What a fabulous memory! Both Leroy and Minnie Mae hold a special place in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Cindy & Lon Rice