Michael E. Anderson, 55, of Helena, Montana, died suddenly of a heart attack on Monday, February 14, 2011. He was born on November 7, 1955 at Alcester, South Dakota. He attended school in Alcester and graduated from Harrisburg, SD high school. Mike was a wrestler and loved playing football. He attended Dakota State University, where he met and married Carolyn Lueth; and together they had a son, Eric. After graduation with his Bachelor of Science degree, he taught high school physics and science classes in North Dakota and Montana. He later married Joyce Packowski. They moved to Helena and Mike ran the Handy Andy mobile auto repair service. Later he went to work as a Materials Specialist for the Montana Department of Transportation, where he worked until his untimely death. He delivered papers for the Independent Record, going over the continental divide every morning before most people were awake.
Mike loved riding motorcycles and toured much of the United States on his bike. He spent much time with the ABATE group and pursuing HOG ABC‘s of touring. He attended Sturgis rallies whenever he could. He was a continuous promoter of the beauties and wonders of the state of Montana; he referred to living here as “a bit of paradise.” His love of science and learning led him to membership in the Montana State Gem & Mineral Society and interests in paleo-archaeology. Mike loved the outdoors, canoeing, and photography. He was a member and judge of the American Cribbage Congress and Sons of Norway.
He was preceded in death by his fiancée Diane Thompson and an infant sister Donna Jean Anderson.
He is survived by his son Eric Anderson, Sioux Falls, SD; parents Miriam and Eugene Anderson, Harrisburg, SD; brother David Anderson and friend Jon Colburn, Pittsburgh, PA; sister Elaine and Mike Rieck and their sons Matthew and Patrick, Mitchell, SD; step-daughters Kirsten Packowski-Dowell and Regan Packowski; his grandmother Hazel Ambroson of Beresford, SD; aunts and uncles; and his special friend Kathy Koenig.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Chapel. A reception will be held at the Eagles on Fee Street immediately following the funeral service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Amanda Doornbos says
Mike was one of a kind. If something needed fixing he took care of it. If a joke needed to be made he cracked one. He did some crazy things that would just make you shake your head but it was worth it. He will be greatly missed around here.
Cyndee (Harris) McVay says
David and family,
My sympathy and prayers to you.
Cyndee (Harris) McVay
Harrisburg High School
Class of 1975
Donna (Ramstad) Leonard says
Sorry to hear about Mike,
gone way too early and will be missed, fond memories of him and brother David
Emmett (Danny) and Karen Foster says
On any given Sunday, if Mike was not out on one of his motorcycle adventures, he would be at our house watching Nascar or Football, or playing cards or playing dominoes! Mike almost always brought the dessert. He will be greatly missed.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and his friends.
Helena Cribbage Club says
Mike was a director for our local Helena Cribbage Club #25. We saw Mike a month and he was always happy.
Jane Huff says
I’m so sorry. This is one guy who’s going to be genuinely missed. My regards and sympathies to all of you. JSH
Jean Zimmermann Olson says
A very special person has passed. As an officer of ABATE of Helena I will miss the special smile that only Mike could give. He was a very careing and always ready to go beyond what was asked of him. Was glad that I got to be an officer with him. Thanks Mike for being you.
Jim and Margie Brodowy says
We will miss Mike. Our family really enjoyed riding with him. Our sympathy to his family.
Jo Colburnn says
My love to you all. My folks also pass on their best thoughts and prayers.
Julie Ambroson says
Mike gave me my first and only ride on a motorcycle. When I started screaming because he was going too fast, he just eased off and slowed down. My prayers are with you all. Julie
Kathy Gustin says
Gene,Miriam,David,Elaine and Eric.
Mike and I shared many years and wonderful times together and I will miss him dearly. In our trips on the Harley he showed me many wonderful places and introduced me to many of his friends and family. I will treasure those memories.
Love to all of you,
Kathy
Klemp, Jennifer says
Mike will be truly missed. What a wonderful person! May you truly rest in peace.
Larry Myran says
As State Coordinator of ABATE of Montana, I would like to send my Prayers and Sympathys. Larry Myran
Linda Miller says
Now you and Diane can ride Harleys in Heaven.
Linda Stevenson says
Mike was truly one of a kind and true to himself and his friends. My sympathy to his family.
Matt Weber says
Mike was a great guy who made freindship interesting (and occasionally chalenging)! I will always remember the rides we went on and especially a whirlwind five day trip to Sturgis and a lot more of South Dakota. He touched many people’s lives in his short time on this Earth and I am sure he will continue to from Heaven. Ridin across the sky! He always would say “Not everyone live to be as old as us” when someone would pass on. Now it is my turn to say it for him. R.I.P. Mike. (Ride in Peace)
Mike and Cindy Woods-Great Falls says
We will miss Mike very much as he was so good to my sister Diane. His love of life and all its adventures was a blessing. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Mike Woods and family
Mitzi says
Mike always had a big smile and kind words when you would meet him in the halls of MDT. You will be missed. Enjoy the ride in the sky. My sympathy to your family
Oak Metcalfe says
Mike was a unique guy for sure. I think we started at MDT pretty close to the same time as his “user #” is only a few digits off from mine. Ultimately we ended up working together in the Materials lab in Helena. I’ll always remember (and display) the quirky gifts he gave at holiday time or just for the heck of it. As others have said, I hope he’s enjoying the long ride on that highway in the sky.
Patti Fowler says
David, sending u peace and love at this time. Smiles and kisses frm the burgh.
Rhonda Huffman McDonald says
Mike’s smile will live on in our memories. My heartfelt condolences to the family, this man’s candle was extinguished way to early. From Rhonda, HHS Class of ’74
Ron Miller says
Mike was a good friend to many people, his passing leaves a large void in many lives.
Shelly Pardis says
You will be missed by many, Mike. My sympathy to your family.
Shane Anderson says
Sorry for the loss of the family