Michael Allen Fillinger
On March 29th, after a long battle with cancer, Mike Fillinger entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family. He was born in Glendive on November 28, 1947, to Gordon and Shirley Fillinger. His younger brother, Dan, came along three years later and the family moved to Helena. He graduated from Helena High in 1966 and Whitman College in 1970 in Microbiology. In 1968 he married his high school sweetheart, Marla Babcock, and they had 17 wonderful years together until her untimely death. In 1986, he was blessed to find his last love, Annell Crowley, and together they embarked on a 32-year journey, blending two families and adopting each other’s children. Love and faith sustained them through all the years.
Mike’s chosen career was Environmental Science. In 1970 he went to work for EPA in Denver, but the mountains of Montana called him back home. Returning in 1977 he opened a Consulting Business and traveled throughout the U.S. doing Biological Studies on Superfund sites. His reputation eventually led to him being recruited to open offices in Helena for Jacobs Engineering, Tetra Tech, and finally Morrison-Maierle Environmental where he worked until retiring. He treasured the life-long friends he made through his working years.
Mike‘s passion was hunting the mountains of Montana which he loved. His greatest joy was teaching his children and grandchildren the art and skill of hunting wild game. His hunting skills were even written about in the book “The Hunters Guide to Montana”. When not hunting you could find him fishing for anything that would bite his hook. Over the years, many friends were treated to Elk or Walleye dinners trading hunting and fishing stories around the BBQ.
Mike’s faith was the center of his life. In 2008 he became an ordained Minister and spent many wonderful years ministering the word of God wherever he could. His trip to Israel was the fulfillment of a life-long dream. His faith in his Savior sustained him throughout life and most recently through the difficult battle with cancer never losing hope.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dan. He leaves behind his wife, Annell, his three children Stacy (Joe), Phoebe (Johnny) and Matthew, and his beloved grandchildren Connor, Nevan, Cody, Dylan, Noemi, Jasmin, Trace, Marlee, and Declan.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6th at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to Life Covenant Church
Friday April 6, 2018
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to Life Covenant Church
Friday April 6, 2018
800 N. Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59602
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Diana Hall says
Annell and family, May the Comforter put His loving arms around you and give you a big hug! We have lots of precious memories of Mike. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love from all the Halls
Debbie Moss says
Annell, Stacy and family, our family is praying for comfort and peace for you. We didn’t see Mike often but when we did it was wonderful family time. Remembering Mike at your wedding Stacy and Joe, and holidays in Olympia. He will be missed, we are so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Kevin and Debbie Moss
Shirley Herrin says
Annell, Phoebe, Stacy and Matthew, My heart goes out to each and every one of you, you have all been very dear to me throughout all the years of our families sharing Christian Schools, watching our children and grandchildren (Connor and Justin) grow up together at 4G’s, but most of all sharing times of our Love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Mike will be so missed – but what a Glorious Day it will be – when we all see Jesus – we’ll sing and shout the Victory. In Jesus’ Love, Shirley
Ann Womack says
Nothing I can say will make the coming days, months, years easier…..just hold on to the memories of the 32 wonderful years you shared together…….Cancer be damned one more time…….Love and Hugs to the family….prayers are always on their way to and for you…
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Anell and family. The Lord must have needed a good fishing partner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers ?Are with you Annell and family at this time.
Jeff and Shaunna Berglund says
Annell and family – We’re so very sorry for your loss. Mike was a great boss, mentor, and friend. And fun to fish with too. The world lost a good one. Please know that you’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan Clark Moran (Marcinek) says
Annell, thinking of you at this time of loss. I remember your Mike from Helena High.
Pamela Boughn Alvord says
Hi there beloved family of my sweet friend, Mike. I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing from the awful Cancer. Marla, Mike, myself and my husband, Mike Alvord spent many hours at the governors’s mansion eating Elsie’s( the cook) delicious food, dancing, playing games and hanging out. It was our honor to be in their wedding and in their lives until Marla passed. My maiden name was Boughn. I lost my Mike after 46 years of marriage almost 3 years ago to colon cancer. I will always remember Mike’s soft laugh and voice and beautiful blue/ grey eyes. A hug from Mike was something special as was his friendship. I shall miss him always and keep you in my prayers during the coming days and months..Fondly, Pam( Boughn) Alvotd
Don and Chris Hettinger says
Annell and family
Our hearts are broken to hear of your loss. We appreciated you and Mike when our paths crossed at Beth Shalom for a season of fellowship together. What a blessing that Mike continued in ministry. Know that we are thinking of you in this time of saying good-bye. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow, Don and Chris Hettinger
Karen Eck Sawyer says
Annell, Phoebe, Matthew, Stacy,
So very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was always so kind to me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Eck Sawyer
Joi Gratny says
Annell,
We are comforted to know that Mike is in heaven with Jesus. I pray for you that you would experience God’s presence, love, peace, keeping power, and comfort knowing that Jesus is with you for the rest of your life.
Aimee Muffick says
Matt,
I am thinking of you in this time of loss.
Marc and Theresa Racicot says
Annell and Family, Theresa and I extend our deepest sympathy to you all. Mike was such a good and decent man…admired, loved and respected by all who had the privilege to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Marc and Theresa Racicot