Michael “Mike” James Krings, 74, passed peacefully at his home in Helena on Thursday, Jan.12, from pancreatic cancer.
He was born April 28, 1942, to William and Florence (Biglen) Krings in Lewistown, Montana. He attended and graduated from St. Leo’s High School in 1960. Upon graduation he spent a year attending St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, Washington. He then returned to Montana where he attended the College of Great Falls and began his career in computer operations at First National Bank. He then transferred to Helena and eventually completed his education at Carroll College in 1985. Upon leaving First National Bank, Mike invested in multiple family businesses, including co-owning Family Taxi Service and the Helena Bus Depot.
Mike also achieved rank of Master Sergeant in the 396 Hospital Unit of Army Reserves based in Helena. He eventually returned to his work in IT, retiring from the Montana Department of Administration in 2013 after more than 25 years with the State. He was very proud of his participation in designing and building the department’s new data centers in Helena and Miles City.
In the fall of 1961, Mike met “his bride” Joyce Evans, and the two were married June 11, 1966. Mike and Joyce welcomed eight children, whom he took great pride and joy in raising. They now have 17 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and more to come. Mike loved spending time with his family — camping, hunting, fishing, attending sporting events and watching the Packers play. He never missed an opportunity to sing to his children, sing his grandchildren to sleep, sing his praises at Mass, or sing to his bride around the house. He loved unconditionally and taught his family to persevere and stick together through the trials and triumphs of life. Cherished memories include making Christmas hard candies, almond roca and pies, setting up camping tents in the dark and continually tackling endless home remodels projects.
Mike was very active in his church communities and especially loved sharing his faith with others. He gained lifelong friendships as a member of Power of the Word prayer group and as a leader of RCIA at both St. Helena Cathedral and Our Lady of the Valley parishes. His faith community held a special place in his heart and he found great joy in serving through many ministries.
Mike spoke many times of how thankful he was to have his sister Billie by his side to laugh, cry and reminisce during his chemo treatments. Special thanks to Dr. Weiner and the St. Peter’s Hospital Oncology Department, as well as Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Krings; sisters-in-law, Janie (Baker) Krings and Marilyn (Evans) Studen; and brother-in-law, Donald Evans.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce; sons, Damian (Cyndi), Duane (Mary), Dan (Michelle) and Michael (Erica); daughters, Dawn (Dale) Buckley, Betsy (Rob) Smith, Suzanne (Ami) Anders, and Veronica (Jake) Mohrmann; brothers, Greg (Marcia) of Billings, Fr. Doug of Roundup, and Brian (Lezlee) of Lewistown; sisters, Billie (Frank) Houle of Helena, Patty (Jim) Southworth of Lewistown, and Christie Krings of Lewistown; grandchildren, Cassie, Cory, Evan, Mary, Bailee, Emmett, Alex, Will, Julia, Logan, Owen, Ava, Elliot, Max, Liam, Finn, and Archer; great-grandchildren, Cadence, Harvey and Nelle; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended relatives. Mike is also survived by countless friends, including Tim and Judy Harris whom he considered family.
A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road in Helena. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20th at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Burial will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial in the fellowship hall of the church. Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Michael.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Promise of Greater Helena, P.O. Box 939, Helena, MT 59624, www.familypromisehelena.org.
As Dad would joke, “I’ve R-U-N-N-O-F-T.”
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 19, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Cathoic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 19, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 20, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday January 20, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday January 20, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 19, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Cathoic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday January 19, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 20, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Mass
Friday January 20, 2017
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Friday January 20, 2017
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Sandi & Dan Benson says
We are saddened to read of Mike’s passing. We worked with him for many years and he will be missed by many. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding.
Rick Ahmann says
A GIANT man of faith! Mike is one of those great instruments of God in my life and the lives of many others. From the POW days to my last visit with him last fall, always walking the walk. Godspeed good and faithful servant. To the Krings clan, much love. May you all know +Peace.
Rick
Steve and Marie McCann says
To the Krings family, we were so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We have many wonderful memories through the years living across the street and raising our kids together. Blessings and prayers to all of you.
Linda krings Axlund says
Am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I have great memories of us as kids. We had a great time at grandma and grandpa Krings. You are all in my prayers .
JUDY DVORAK says
Joyce and all the family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I have many, many fond memories of Mike & the Krings family, from living with them during my high school days. They all were so good to me. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
John McEwen says
Many conversations with Mike in the Mitchell Building on numerous subjects! Condolences from all of the McEwen.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Charmon Graveley-Hansen says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Krings family. May your many happy memories bring you peace. God Bless
kathie says
I pray that many wonderful memories and Love carry the Krings family and all their friends through the difficult times now…and in the future.. peace and love to each of you.
Mary Ann (Elsner) Heyer says
So very sorry tro hear of Mik’s death. We went to St Leo’s together and graduated in 1960. My prayers and thoughts are with the Krings family.
Traci Swingley says
Dawn, Joyce and the entire Krings family,
I wish you peace as your angel flies, free from the pains of this world. My best childhood memories revolve around my childhood best friend and the family who always made me feel like another one of the kids. From Lawrence to the house on Prostate. So much love could be found inside those walls. My heart goes out to you all. Always will you remain dear. Your mom and dad created a legacy of love that extended beyond their front door!
Always, Traci Swingley aka Traci Chisholm as we were growing up
Todd Anderson says
Thoughts and prayers to the Krings family.
Nels Wilkins says
Damian and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like your dad was a wonderful person. Thank GOD for the memories that we get to keep.
Marilyn Barrick says
To Joyce and all of Mikes family. So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Our sympathy to all of you. May all the great memories of the past carry you through these next days, weeks, months and years. I went to high school at St Leos in Lewistown with Mike graduating in 1960 and then we both attended the College of Great Falls also. Always enjoyed visiting with Mike and Joyce. Our prayers to all of you.
Anne Seliskar says
Joyce and family, hope your many warm memories are a comfort. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Margaret Kauska says
We worked with Mike early in our state government careers, he was a good man. May you find peace in your memories.
Emily LaSalle says
I felt blessed when I was able to sit next to Mike during mass. Mike’s singing was as if an angel were singing right beside me. My love and prayers are with all of you.
Tom, Glenda and Kerri Anderson (Cronquist) says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember lots of hours spent watching our kids in sports together.
Mary Runkel says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kring’s family, and to sister Billie Houle . May all of your fun and funny memories give you strength. Mike was unforgettable!
Justine DeRousse says
I did not know Mike but am a friend of Betsy. I know Betsy to be a giving person, kind heart and loyal friend. The way Betsy talked about her Dad was special and I knew there was ALOT of love for her Dad by calmness in her voice when she talked about him. I am sure she got some of her traits from her Dad, Mike Kings. Mike created a beautiful family and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Krings family.
Anne Jacobson says
Dawn, Dale, and the Krings family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Will keep you and family in my prayers.
Ann Nickel says
Dawn, Dale, Joyce and Krings family members,
I am sadden to learn of your Dad’s/Husband’s death. Your family will be in my thoughts and many prayers.
Bev Opitz says
Dawn, Joyce and all of the Krings family,
We will keep all of you in our prayers. Hugs. to
all of you We care
God. bless ,
Bev&Don Opitz
Dave Smith says
I am so sad to learn of Mike’s passing. I worked closely with Mike at the State for many years. He was a good guy and a real pleasure to work with. Hopefully, you’ll find some comfort in knowing how Mike touched the lives of others. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jody Doubek says
Joyce and Family~
Keeping all of you in my heart and in my prayers. I so loved working with you Joyce and always had such admiration for you and Mike while raising your wonderful kids! May all the great memories comfort you!
Jan Lewis says
Joyce and family, I was so sad to learn of Mike’s passing. I worked with him at the State and he was always so happy. I loved to hear him laugh! May wonderful memories of him bring you peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Henry Lindgren says
I enjoyed working with Mike on the then new State of Montana Data Centers. He always had such a positive attitude and such a great and unique personality. I am sorry to hear of his passing but I will forever enjoy memories of him. God Bless.