View the live stream of this service here.
Michael (Mike) H. Blessinger, 62 years of age, died at St. Peter’s Health on Monday, June 8, from injuries received in a fall at his home on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Mike was born in Helena on October 30, 1957, to Irv & Lois Blessinger. He attended schools in Helena and, graduated from Helena High School in 1976. He also attended, and graduated from, the University of Montana, in 1981, with a B.S. degree in Geology.
Mike was a “wild child.” He loved life, new adventures, the outdoors, animals, his friends, & baseball. He played in the pee-wee league as a child and worked up to second baseman for the Helena Senators in the mid-1970’s. His first real job was for a petroleum geologist in Shelby for six months & then he worked for the Dept. of Highways for four years, beginning in 1983. In 1988, Mike started a new career as a pharmaceutical rep.for Forest Labs. He later became Forest’s first rep., in Hawaii, which required him to live there for two years. When he moved back to Helena, he brought his four cats with him and later adopted sweet Gracie, an abandoned dog he found who never left his side. Before retirement in 2002, he became a Divisional Sales Mgr. in charge of reps in Montana and four other states. Before and after retirement, he enjoyed fishing, hiking, floating, traveling, and snow and water skiing. Even yard work made him smile. But in 2003, his life took a bad turn – he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but, with treatment, went into remission until 2007, when he became confined to a wheelchair. His many wonderful, faithful friends never let him down & continue to visit him, take him out on car rides, and give him a reason to get up in the morning. For that, his family is eternally grateful.
Mike is survived by his sister, Nancy (Dave) Kraft; brother, Mark (Paula) Blessinger; niece, Jaime (Jeff) Kicklighter; and nephews Brad (Meagan) Kraft, Shawn Blessinger, Kyle Blessinger, great nephew Noah Kraft, numerous cousins, and his many dear friends who also feel like part of our family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and all of his dearly loved animals.
The family would like to thank his good friend, Randy Bradley, who found him after his accident and took the steps necessary to get him immediate attention, as well as all of the medical staff who treated him in the Emergency Room and in St. Peter’s Health during his final days. Their compassion, patience, and courtesy were a tremendous help in getting us through his passing. God bless you all.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at the Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, with a reception following in the funeral home’s social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome at the Foundation for Animals, PO Box 389, Helena, MT 59624. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Michael.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 11, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday July 11, 2020
Social Hall of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gary Berg says
mike .. is / and / was / one of the best blessings in my life .. funny loving compassionate awesome guy always wonderful to be around ..!! I will always love and miss him …!!
Pat Jacobson says
Sleeping in pup tents in our back yard. Watching Buck beat the crap out of Mike in said tent. Riding bikes, fishing, being kids together. Great memories. I’m sure Perry was waiting for his little buddy with a bud light. Thoughts and prayers for Buck,Nancy and the rest of the Blessinger family. It really was a hoot to be a part of your family growing up.🙁❤️
Lynn says
We started as neighbors and I will never forget Mike and his family…. deepest sympathy! RIP Mile
You’ll be missed by many!
Lynn says
RIP Mike!
Joni Bateman Evans says
You will be missed by many but never forgotten. Honored to have known you and thankful we got to catch up a bit during the reunion. RIP my friend.
Sheri (Strandberg) Muller says
Mike was one of the good guys. He was always upbeat and a great Classmate. (since 6th grade at Central- I think it was Mr. Horton class). RIP
Ray Parnell says
Mike was a great guy he always was clowning around he will be missed love you bud . Perry and him will be having a bud lite and talking about old times RIP Mike
Karen Jacobson says
We are never ready to lose important people in our lives, and I wasn’t ready for this. I hope you are drinking Bud Light and bs’ing with your mom, dad, Perry, Evan and Shirley! You were definitely “one of the good guys”…(except the time you got mad and broke my racquetball racquet.) 😂
Patti Lindstrom-Russ says
Mike I will miss you. We were kids in the neighborhood, Central School through HS. You carried the cross of MS, as does my Tom. There were good days and bad days but it’s a nasty companion to share your life with. You and Perry, best friends then and now. You are both gone too soon, but it gives me great hope that you are reunited in the Lord. Your body is healed.
Carolyn Richards says
Make had battling this sickness for such a long time
I often thought of him and he’s now at peace
I’ve known him since grade school at Central School.
It’s so hard too let someone go when you’ve grown up with them. He was just one of the “good guys” along with Perry. We’ll truly miss them!
Linda & John Cameron says
RIP dear friend Mike. Our lives were so enriched by having you as a neighbor all these years. We are thankful that we had the opportunity of knowing such a wonderful family as the Blessingers. Mark and Nancy, our prayers have been and will continue for you in the days to come. Our deepest condolences to the entire family.
Glenda (Ridgway) Dupuis says
When I think of Mike — I smile, because he could always make me smile! A true friend and Classmate to all of Class of ’76 Helena High School! It didn’t matter if 10 years went by, we still chatted and laughed like hanging around was yesterday. I feel blessed to call him my friend. My sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends, he will always be missed.
Paul and Jo Bryson says
We will miss Mike! 😢. We take comfort knowing in our hearts he is surrounded by love in heaven by his Mom and Dad and Perry sharing a Bud Light and tacos. 🥰 Mike was a kind soul that touched so many lives…
Rest In Peace friend. ❤️❤️❤️😇🙏🏻
Mardi Millons says
We didn’t know Mike but know several family members and friends and want to express how sorry we are at their loss. It is hard to lose a brother and a friend. May the Lord bless and give you strength and peace.
Mardi and Bob Millons
Jan Williams says
I remember Mike and all the gang up at the Erickson’s for July 4th celebrations and sitting around the bonfires. Mike was one of the funniest people I have met – he so enjoyed life. Mike and Perry are up having beers and having a good laugh. RIP Mike we will miss you.
Randy Bradley says
A very dear friend who I will miss tremendously. We met fighting forest fires for the state while going to school in Missoula. Then we worked together for many years at Forest Labs. He was smart and funny and just a joy to be around. So many wonderful memories. He was a brother. R.I.P. Mitchy.
Pat Dunlavy says
Mike was the first guy I met when I moved to Missoula. We were almost kicked out of our first mineralogy class because I was laughing so hard. We ended up sharing an apartment for about 6 years. I have many, many fond memories and stories. I can one-up Karen Jacobsen. He broke two of my tennis racquets. Love you Mitchy!
Jim Nolan says
Played fast pitch against Mike and Mark for years. They were fierce and fair competitors who would share a beer and laughs when the game was over. Great, great guys.
Mike’s pain is over now. God bless him and his family.
Heidi McDonald Darlek says
Rest In Peace Mike♥️ Although I wish I could see you on more time on my visit home next month I am glad you are no longer suffering. My memories of times with you and your family are very special to me and my family. I was always so excited when I got see you and you always made me smile and laugh. I’m sure your Mom and Dad had their arms wide open to welcome you home. I still remember seeing your Dad at school and he always made me smile too! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barb Holliday says
One of my brother Jim’s best friends, I got to enjoy knowing Mike and his goofy humor and gusto for life. My heart is sore to hear from my mom in Helena this evening that he has passed. I think of adolescent fun in Helena and Missoula – all of us growing up together. Grateful for the good experiences we all shared. Love to your family Mike; and I hope you are aware of all the joy and funniness you brought to your friends — and how much you’re loved.
Darrel and Carol Alm says
Nancy and family, we are so sad to see you brother Mike passed away. I remember him when he was little. He was such a cute kid. Prayers are with all of you. Darrel and Carol Alm
Barry Hanson says
God Bless you Mike. Eternal life is now yours. I joined the fun of the class of 76 during
our sophomore year and what a great group of people I was blessed to meet.
My fondest memories of Mike was during our away basketball games where more jokes and laughs were
instigated by both Mike and Perry. Memories I’ll never forget. Blessings to Mike’s family as you come
to terms with his passing. By the way what was the deal with all the broken tennis and racquetball rackets?
Diane says
Mark and Nancy and the Blessinger family
I was sorry to learn that Mike passed away. I have fond memories of your brother when we lived next door to your parents on 8th Ave. He was a great person who always seemed to have a positive attitude. May you find peace in knowing his pain and suffering is over. He will live forever in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew him. With deepest sympathy Diane Pedersen and Kristy Pedersen Klein and family
Rick McAlmond says
So sorry to hear this, my prayers are with you Mark, Nancy and the Blessinger Family
Jim and Julie DeMars says
We are so sorry hear of Mike’s passing. We hope his family and friends are comforted in knowing that he is resting in peace. We both have such fond memories of Mike that we will continue to cherish! Our prayers are with Mike’s family and so many friends.
Kevin Bartsch says
Buck and family- Lots of good memories of a fiery competitor playing fastpitch, but a good guy to sit with and have a cold one after a game. Many good memories there! He’s at ease now. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Dolan O'Toole says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.
We shared an apartment ( and cat ) on Jerome for a while before I moved to Seattle.
I don’t get to Helena very often, but always liked to stop up and hang out with Mike.
I still look back at pictures taken at his place from the last HHS reunion and can see the love we all had for him.
I played Legion baseball with both Mike and Perry and our whole gang had so much fun each summer.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, but know he is in a better place.
God bless you Mike.
david cahill Cahill says
mike was a great guy he is in better place now i wish the to ever body
Jeff Lovely says
Mark. I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you through this difficult time. Sending healing prayers to you and your family.
Tricia Sahinen McGurran says
Nancy and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. It is so hard losing a sibling. Let all the great memories help you get through your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and rest in peace Mike! ❤ 🙏
Nelma Mosier says
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest In Peace!
Terri (Hume) Purcell says
Nancy & Buck,
You are in my thoughts and prayers -so many wonderful memories growing up with my
Best Friend. I know he is In a better place, at peace now and with his Mom & Dad & Perry. I can almost
See him smiling when I think of how he is having the greatest reunion ever! He will be
Missed but never forgotten. He was so loved by his family & friends. I pray God will bring you
Comfort during this time. All my Love, Terri (Hume) Purcell
Shawn Blessinger says
Uncle mike I enjoy helping you and taking care of stuff for you we miss you alot shawn and jody I know how you liked your bud light and your bailey’s and go get stuff at the store for you and we have lunch together me and jody miss you alot we all love you god bless love shawn and jody
Shawn & jody says
Mike was the best uncle anyone could ask for. He had compassion and love for his family and friends beyond words he always was there to listen, give direction and advice. He is deeply missed. Love shawn, jody & boys 🙂
Jan Gregson says
Mark, Paula and family, we are truly sorry for your loss…we hope that your memories give you comfort at this tough time! Sending you all lots of prayers.
Goose and Jan Gregson
Calvin Boland says
The world seems a bit more dull with out my brother Mike in it. He left a trail of friends and admirers where ever he went and thus it was always a fun adventure to be around him. His hissy fits made me laugh and I also lost a tennis racket to one. He once said that he believed we are put on this planet to help each other. He lived that creed.
I will always miss you, Mike. Go well into the night.
Randy Williams says
So sorry to hear this news. Mike was a very kind and fun loving guy. I can still remember “borrowing” his car as he watered the boulavard grass on Rodney Street. I also had the pleasure of playing baseball with Mike and will always hold those memories near. RIP MIke and tell Perry hello!
Mark Copenhaver says
Hard to believe you are no longer with us Mike. You were one of a kind my friend. I still smile while remembering your sense of humor and antics Dating all the way back to kindergarten. Thank for being you and making it better for all of us. Remember, just because you and Perry are Now together in heaven does not mean St Peter will not hesitate to throw you two hucksters in detention! ❤️
Carolyn G Richards says
I’ll second that Mark!
I can just see both of them – sitting there with crooked smiles. Thinking, what can we do next.
Missing both of you!
Bill Mcalmond says
Gonna miss ya Mike so sorry to here this grew up a block away and have many great memories Rest In Peace pard
Jim SheetsMy condolences says
My condolences to Nancy Mark and the Blessinger family. I will always have great memories with Mike like the trip to Australia and New Zealand. What a great adventure ! He once made me laugh so hard that I puked trying to eat an orange. I miss him already. Helena seems like less fun without Mitch . It is comforting to know that he is relieved of his burden. Cheers Mike !! Have one with Perry.
Jim Sheets says
My condolences to Nancy Mark and the Blessinger family. I will always have great memories with Mike like the trip to Australia and New Zealand. What a great adventure ! He once made me laugh so hard that I puked trying to eat an orange. I miss him already. Helena seems like less fun without Mitch . It is comforting to know that he is relieved of his burden. Cheers Mike !! Have one with Perry.
Debbe Pistoria says
Dear Family of Mike,
Mike and I had many fun conversations about cats and dogs, we both loved animals so much, I feel comfort that Mike is now running in heaven bouncing on clouds and free from his chair. He had a sense of humor that kept me smiling and he was a strong loving compassionate man.
Rest in heaven Mike no more pain, no more chair and know you were a true inspiration to people who have to deal with lifes many challenges.
Blessings to the Blessinger family, and Nancy we love you dearly.
Debbie Erving says
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, as another one of the 8th Avenue, Central School Kids, I have memories of Mike that go way back.
To Mikes family, May your many memories of great times with Mike bring you peace.
Love and prayers to you all.
We miss you Mike.
Dani Sue (Zygmond) Crowley says
Dearest Mike, I am so glad you and Perry have gone before us to make sure all preparations are in order for the rest of us to join you two crazy guys in Heaven!! Try not to get kicked out before the rest of us can join you!! You had a piece of my heart since you asked me to the school dance. I was so nervous and excited that I didn’t eat, your sweet dad gave us a couple of drinks and you ended up with a date that spent the entire prom with her head in a garbage bag all night!!! You were so kind, loving and thoughtful then and all the years since!! What good laughs we had over our crazy antics. 😉 You loved life and adventure and your friends! Your smile and sense of humor were infectious! You will continue to bring a smile to my heart!! The last time I saw you, it was you and me and Perry…what a sweet, special visit that was!! Looking forward to seeing you again soon dear friend!! I have always loved you and l look forward to “lighting up the dance floor with you” when we meet once again in Heaven!!
Rosemary Erickson says
That’s right Mike, brother Perry just couldn’t be in heaven without you! You entered my life in 1970 when we moved from Missoula to Helena. The gang of dear friends were waiting for brother Ron’s arrival! Class of 1976! The fun and good times seemed to just never end! From the third floor on 6th Avenue, to Haps and the Diggins! Then of course the wild times at Flathead! Mike you were in the lake all day, but yet you still took a shower for preparation to Head over to the Mountain Lake Tavern in Bigfork, where we all head a blast! Boy did you look good! I remember Ron and Linda’s wedding and after the Montana Club we went to your apartment on Jerome Street where we all swam in our wedding attire, laughing the whole time! Thanks for being a nice brother like my dear brother Perry and Cheers to both of you!
I have a feeling you two aren’t resting now! Love you Mike
Miki & Eric Brass says
To the family of Mike Blessinger, Miki and I wish to express our deepest condolences for his passing. He is one of the bravest individuals we have ever known! His life and legacy inspires us to live and appreciate our lives that much more. He never let his ailment rule who he was to us. Miki and I will miss our barbershop sessions with him when we got together to discuss friends, family, current events, literature, romance, etc. One of our best memories Of Mike was watching him downhill ski in tandem with some of his buddies up at Great Divide. He could downhill ski with such intensity!
With our love,
Miki & Eric Brass
Jaime (Kraft) Kicklighter says
Mike was my uncle, and also a great friend. From the time I was very young until just a couple of weeks ago, he checked in with us often to see what was going on – what we thought of a certain band, to talk politics, to get the most recent update on our dogs and cats, and to just to know how we were doing. He was funny and smart and generous and truthful. And my favorite; he loved animals! He loved his friends and the outdoors and learning new things. I will miss him terribly, but I know that I’m better for knowing him. We love you Mike.
Sara M Graveley-Moody says
From all of us our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Paradise Mike.
Sara Graveley-Moody
The Graveley family.
Mary Anne Aafedt says
Nancy;
Prayers go with you at this difficult time. I recall during our early morning walks you often spoke of Mike, his life and career. He gave you his all, an example we should all follow. Hope to run into you someday to catch up.
Mary Anne Aafedt
Henry Flatow says
I am sorry to learn of Mikes passing. I remember Mike as a fiery second baseman (sometimes mouthy) who because of his size, was difficult to keep off base.
Bob Cooper says
Mark – although I never met Mike, I remember the wonderful stories you related during our lunches at the Brewhouse about the two of you growing up playing ball, fishing, hiking, etc. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Jeannie Sahinen Hurley says
Nancy, Mark and families. The Sahinen family sends our deepest condolences. We certainly have great memories growing up with the Blessinger family and then having mom care for Jaime and Brad. We send our love and prayers to all of you.
Kathleen Broussard says
Mark and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Rande Muffick says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We played baseball together on the Senators and those were some of the best times ever.
– Rande Muffick
Doug Erickson says
Mark, Nancy and family, I’M. real sorry in Mike’s passing . He will be missed by all. I just wanted to say how he touched my life. How much fun we had.We both loved to ski. He took me to Big Sky numerous times we had a lot of fun! I just wanted to thank Randy, Kurtyboy , and John, and family for all your support being there with mitch until the end. SURE HOPE WE SEE YOU MIKE AND PERRY IN THE AFTER LIFE. DOUGSKI P.S sure hope they got Miller lite!
John & Sonja Hoeglund says
As one of many who counted Mike as a friend Sonja and I will miss him greatly. For someone who hiked Mt Helena on a daily basis being confined to a wheelchair must have been devastating. Still, Mike rarely complained! Rest In Peace my friend.
Christina Huftel, LPN says
Something will always be missing when I come back to town, and Helena will never feel the same. He was always there for his friends. He always listened, supported and advised. I could always count on him, and he knew he could always count on me and my daughter, Sarah, RN, for many years. We were blessed to have each other in our lives. I’ll also miss the light hearted and funny things he’d email to me. They’d come and give me a little lift when I really needed it. We quickly became good friends. I truly miss you, Mike, but I know you are healed. Kiss Gracie for me, and give her another treat.
Chuck Virag says
Mark, Nancy, and families. My deepest condolences to you. I have many fond memories of Mike, extending back to the time we played Pee Wee league baseball together. I always admired how he put his best effort into anything he did. He will be greatly missed by his many friends.
Bob Lees says
Mike will always be a hero to me. His positive attitude and ability to adapt to his disabilities will always provide inspiration during difficult times. RIP my brother. Love ya.
Sherry Hall says
Mark, Nancy, the rest of the family & friends.
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I got to know Mike when we worked together on a construction project restoring the St. Helena Cathedral. I have never laughed so hard while working as I did then. Mike was so much fun to be around. The bishop was not impressed with laughter echoing through the cathedral even though it was closed to the public when we were working & he spoke to our boss about it. This action only encouraged Mike to joke around even more. Every time I ran into Mike years later we would laugh about it. Mike was so much fun! Thanks for all the laughs Mike & almost getting us kicked out of a closed church. The world definitely needs more laughter & you did your part my friend. RIP
Stacey Castleberry says
Mike will always hold a special place in my heart- a very dear high school friend. I loved his honesty, respectfulness, how we could just laugh and have fun. At each class reunion visit to Helena, we made sure to connect and relive the past. I can’t be at his Celebration of Life on the 11th, but will celebrate his life! Hopefully, when each of us pass, we can all know we touched the hearts of as many as Mike.
Carolyn Smith Lennon says
I just learned of Mike’s passing. My heart hurts but is happy for Mike to be without that terrible disease. Mike you are one of a kind. You love your Family and Friends like no one I have ever met. I looked at some of the names listed and I have met or heard stories about almost all of you because you truly loved them all. I have so many great memories of you hiking, skiing playing with your dog Gracie and your cat Tiger. Your family was so special such a great reflection of Irv and Lois….Mike you will be with me in my memories forever my Friend. Love to you and your family and friends…you will be missed …… my heart will never be the same.
Love you,
Carolyn
Courtney Travis says
Mike was one of the best managers. He took chances on me and hired me for the Alaskan territory. He was the nicest man I have ever met. A genuine good soul. He will be missed.
Kyle says
Mitchy – I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately as the holiday season is approaching and I still can’t believe that you are gone. I miss your almost daily dirty email forwards, your calls offering support and advice, and above all your sense of humor. Some of our talks the last couple years centered around how “lucky” you were to have friends and family in your life to support you through this dreaded disease, but looking at this wall reminds me how lucky we were to have you. You were always a voice of reason for me and someone that I could look towards that I knew could relate to some of my “temper tantrums”. Anyways, I’m hoping that Lois is preparing a nice holiday meal for the crew (Irvie, Lo, Perry, Carver, Gracie, Tiger, etc) this week and you feel loved as much in Heaven as you were in our family on Earth! Love ya, pal (No Mo – as you would say)!
Brady Patton says
A great man with a true heart of gold. A good athlete too.
Mike was my first boss in my first real job. He was compassionate and caring in every dumpster fire I started.
His love of the mountains and animals was never ending.
I loved him for the kindness he brought into every setting.
He wasn’t a push over either. He stood strong for what was just and right in life.
You will be missed. However, I know he’s sitting on a bluff with Gracie. We’ll see you on the other side.
Brian Posewitz says
I just found out. So sorry to hear. I still remember what a great guy Mike was, and how much I admired him, working on summer fire crews for the Montana Forestry Division (c. 1980). It was good to read about the rest of his life, especially his love of animals.