Michael Matt Tursich age 97, of East Helena died of natural causes Wednesday morning September 25, 2013. Michael was born in East Helena to Mike and Marija “Mary” (Becaj) Tursic September 10, 1916.
He graduated from Helena High School and because of the 1935 Earthquake the high school could not be used. Northern Pacific Railway officials offered the passenger coach cars to be used for temporary classrooms. Mike attended classes in the boxcars until late 1937.
Michael served in the U.S. Navy from December 26, 1941 to November 26, 1945. He was in Australia, Italy, New Guinea and New Caledonia, aboard the USS West Point. Mike and Olga “Ole” Chriske were married September 19, 1953 in East Helena.
He worked at the ASARCO Smelter in East Helena as a pipe fitter from April 17, 1937 to March 29, 1972 except for the period he was in the Navy.
Mike loved to go fishing and travel with his wife Ole. He loved going out to Clary’s cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake and spending time with family. Mike didn’t have a license and walked everywhere. One of Mike’s favorite past times was to walk over to Ed Prebil’s gas station daily to shoot the breeze with the guys. Mike looked forward to seeing his nephew, Jim every Sunday; they would go get water at Kleffner Ranch or up McDonald Pass, go grocery shopping, and have lunch together. As he got older, his nephew would bring him snacks and they would have long conversations. He was a devoted member of the VFW. Mike loved to talk and wasn’t afraid to tell you how it was. Although Mike & Ole weren’t blessed with any children of their own, they always treated their nieces and nephews as if they were.
He was preceded in death by his parents Michael & Mary Tursic; three brothers, Stephen (Anne) Tursich, John (Mary) Tursich & Joseph “Pinky” (Leah) Tursich; three sisters, Mary “Mitza” Tursich, Stephanie (Andrew) Mayer and Genevieve “Jen” (Heinz) Chriske; niece, Cheryl Tursich; great niece and nephews include: Mandi Chriske, Sam Chriske and Michael Wilson.
Survivors include four nieces and nephews: Patty (Randy) Dahlstrom of Cordova, Alaska, Jim (Hedy) Chriske of East Helena, Don (Pam) Chriske of Montana City, and Mary (Daryl) Tulberg of Helena, Janet Tursich of Renton, Washington, Donna (George) Schiller of Helena, Alice Anderberg of Helena, Bud Anderberg of Columbia Falls, Carol Tursich of Billings; great nieces and great nephews include: Chad and Michelle Wilson; Amy (Shane) Hall, Rachel (Cole) McElravy; Brady Chriske, David Tulberg, Mark Anderberg, Carl Anderberg and Paul Anderberg; great-great nieces and nephews include: Jordan Chriske-Hall, Taylor Chriske-Hall, Julia Rowlan, Michaela Wilson, Jazmine McElravy, April McElravy, Zackary McElravy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Clarence Chriske of Helena; a sister-in-law, Louise Miller of Helena.
Visitation will be from noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. A reception will follow the Mass. Burial with military honors will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, MT. Memorial Are suggested to the V.F.W Post 10010 P.O. Box 97 East Helena, Montana 59635.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 7, 2013
Anderson STevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday October 8, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana`
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 7, 2013
Anderson STevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Tuesday October 8, 2013
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana`
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 8, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Joe Maronick says
Please accept my care in Mike’s passing and move upstairs. I did enjoy going to visit Mike every now and then. He now looks down on us with no more aches or itch. Joe Maronick
Betty Brewer says
I send sympathies and prayers of healing to all of Mike’s family. I had the privilege to get to know Mike while working at Eagles Manor. He definitely had his view of things, but it was always good to talk to him. He was a good friend to my mother Virginia Russell and our prayers are with you and your family that God will hold you in the palm of his hands and provide you with comfort and the promise of know that Mike is now in Heaven, looking down on all of us. He is smiling that beautiful smile and then laughing out loud. It was an honor to know him and just know that he will never leave you! He will always be with you in your heart and memories. Memories are healing and will make you laugh and cry at the same time, but no one can take your memories away. God Bless you all! Betty Brewer & Virginia Russell
Tom and Sandy Tursich says
Thank goodness I was able to visit Mike a week before he died. At the time he was in good spirits and feeling reasonably well for 97 years of age. His older brother, my dad, Stephen M. Tursich passed away in 2006 at the age of 96. Mike beat dad by a year. Mike was always ready with a good story and had a good sense of humor. At times he may have offered his opinions when he should’ve kept quiet, but this just Mike more interesting. We will miss him.
Patty and Randy Dahlstrom says
I am so glad I got to spend time with Mike when I was home. We will miss you.
Tom Mulvaney says
I knew Mike mostly from his time at Eagles Manor several years ago. When I came
there to visit my mother, I would sometime run into Mike either sitting outside
enjoying the fresh air or inside on one of the sofas. Mike would always put a
smile on my face. He was congenial and fun to talk with–just incredible for
someone in his 90’s. He was a fellow East Helenan and he had lots of memories
to share, including his time at the smelter and some of his Navy experiences. I will always admire his dismeanor–respectful and friendly . He made a very positive impact on me.
My condolences to Mike’s family.
Nancy Bickel says
I knew Mike when I helped Manage Eagles Manor and Mike was always hanging out and having coffee in the lobby with the others. I will miss Mike and his smile too!!
Reaching out to his family with deepest sympathy.