Michael Duane Mehn passed away at home with his wife Teri near Cascade, MT, of natural causes on Thursday, October 19. Mike was born August 7, 1956 in Beaver Dam, WI, to Duane and Carleen Mehn. He was the second of four children. His father was a college athletic director and coach, and the family moved a number of times before settling in Mountain Green, UT. After he graduated high school in 1974 he began attending Montana State University (Go Bobcats!). While working on a ranch in the summer near Gardiner, MT, he met his future wife and best friend Teri Jo Todd. They wed on June 11, 1977. Mike and Teri had their first son, Zakary Scott Mehn, on May 9, 1979. After Mike graduated in June, they had their second son Chauncy Duane Mehn on August 2, 1982. Mike got his dream job as a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Game Warden in 1983 and they moved to his first assignment in Glasgow, MT. From there the family moved to Libby, MT, in 1987 and then to his last job as a Game Warden in Dillon, MT in 1994. Mike and Teri moved to St. George, UT, in 2002. They returned to Montana in 2003 after the death of their son Zakary. Mike returned to Fish, Wildlife and Parks where he worked until retiring in 2010 after 27 years with the department. He spent the next 13 years as a licensed contractor, federal court security officer, handyman and snowbird.
Mike’s wife and children couldn’t have asked for a better husband and father. He doted on them and always made sure they had everything they needed and knew that he loved them. He always put everyone else before himself, even strangers. Mike was serious about work but often shared his great sense of humor while doing it. He loved the outdoors, the Green Bay Packers and college football -Go Cats and Irish! Mike enjoyed staying busy, sitting by the campfire, and most of all his family and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his father Duane, mother Carleen, son Zakary and granddaughter Tylan. He is survived by his wife Teri, the love of his life; Chauncy and Aleen (Munday) Mehn and their children Brecken, Laith, Rynan, Maera and Taison; his brothers Bill and Jack and sister Jill; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. All who knew him adored him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 28, at 1:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT. Reception will follow.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 28, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday October 28, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 28, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday October 28, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Donna Hansen says
Teri – we were saddened to hear about Mikes passing as was everyone who knew him, met him, heard him, saw him. He was that kind of guy. The two of you had such wonderful adventures; the kind that other folks wish they could have. Even though we haven’t seen you in ages, when I heard – I could picture his soft gentle way. I’m afraid the Packers would have disappointed him this year. You are in our thoughts.
Donna Hansen and Jeff Sturm
Vicki Andersen says
Teri. So sorry to learn of Mike’s death. He was such a good guy. Mike and you took me to Dell to hear the elk bugle, it was awesome. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Chauncy, Aleen and the grandchildren. So glad I had the opportunity to know Mike and you.
Lorene Schuler says
Teri,
I am so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. He enjoyed a good laugh and I have fond memories spending time with you and Mike.
My deepest condolences to you, Chauncy and family.
Lorene Schuler says
Teri,
I am so saddened to hear about Mike. He was a wonderful man. I have very fond memories of spending time with you and Mike. Deepest condolences to you and Chancy and family.
Mike Moore says
Teri- my deepest condolences. I enjoyed working with Mike as both a game warden and court security officer. He was always the professional while dealing with the public, but had a great sense of humor that certainly made work a lot more fun.
He was truly one of the good guys!
Chine Strobel says
Mike was a one of a kind and one of the nicest people I’ve ever know. I am so sorry for you loss.
Scott Swingley says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was one of the kindest men I ever knew. Mike was always a true professional and I was honored to work with him as a Court Security Officer. I’m so very sorry for his family. Terri, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Dawson says
Teri and family,
Mike was a fine human being and game warden. He was the consummate professional, and the example he set for his fellow game wardens was overwhelmingly positive. I am sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
MR SCOTT ERICKSON says
Teri, Chancy, Jack and family. Jamie and I are deeply saddened at the loss of Mike. You are all in our prayers. We so enjoyed all of our adventures with the both of you over the last years. Poker, floating, St. Croix visit, camping, tailgating at MSU games, and of course burning our brush piles that he so enjoyed. Even if we had trouble lighting the last two until the women showed up and did the job. Mike was one of the great ones and will be sorely missed.
Carol Duval says
Teri and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I truly enjoyed working with Mike during his time with our enforcement family. He was always so kind and thoughtful and always had a smile on face to brighten the day. He will be sorely missed by everyone he had contact with. You will be in my prayers.
Mike and Erica Krings says
Teri and family- Mike was truly adored by all. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Mike as a game warden, and fondly tell the story of Mike saying, “remember this day,” when he offered me the job. He loved us all back, and rooted for us always, as a champion of our profession and its history. He dealt with ignorance and anger by offering humility and humor. I will always admire him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom Palmer says
Dear Teri and Family,
So sad to learn of Mike’s passing. I always thought of him as an eyes-wide-open, thoughtful, forthright, and, post-retirement, adventurous guy. I admired your adventurous forays together and hoped to match them upon our retirement. We wish the entire family well.
With our deepest condolences,
Tom & Teri Palmer
Todd Anderson says
Teri, so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a positive role model for myself and many other game wardens. He was respected by all of us and will be greatly missed. Praying for your family.
michael parkins says
wow, what a shocker to hear here in myrtle beach where we had the pleasure of meeting mike and teri and share a few adventures too. every comment i have seen on mike is true and i could add he was a gentleman too. everytime i wear my coast guard t shirt he will be with me. terri and mike were a great team. love, mike and sandra
Gene and Denise Kelly says
Teri, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always cherish my time working with Mike at the courthouse. Really enjoyed our visits with you, Mike and other friends, at the cabin or at the Erickson’s home. I especially enjoyed Mike’s stories about camping in The Yak with his brother…treasured memories for sure! Mike will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in piece my friend.
Jill Oliver says
Mike was such a special man, husband, father, brother uncle, cousin, and friend to so many people. He loved his family with all his heart and soul. Growing up he was my moms favorite kid, as he would always jump right up and help with whatever she needed. He was an avid hunter and was planning a hunting trip with his son and grandkids. Everyone who knew Mike, knew what a great man he was. He will be forever missed and always in our hearts. Our deepest sympathies to teri and chauncy and family. May your memories carry you through this tragic time and may you always know how much he truly loved all of you. Rest in peace my dear brother until we meet again. All our love and prayers
Jill and Tom Oliver and family
Tom Reilly says
Teri and Family
Mike was one of those people who naturally put people at ease. I always enjoyed discussions with him and appreciated his positive attitude and approach, no matter the topic. Polite and considerate, he provided that example so important for others and not-so-common today,- a true gentleman. I am very sorry to know of his passing at such a relatively young age. One of the best for sure…. ‘Thoughts are with you,
Tom
Joe Kambic says
Teri and Family,
Very sorry to hear the news about Mike. He was very influential early on in my career. We also got to share a lot of comradery for our Fighting Irish. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know such a great man and will never forget him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe
Jack Austin says
Teri and family, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Mike was a kind hearted gentleman to all. He had a great sense of humor, he always shared a smile and kept a positive attitude. Rest in peace good man.
Kerry Hanson says
Mike was an integral part of the Bobcat Camping crew. He brought great humor, so much joy and kindness, and the ability to connect with others because of the Montana State connection. We have loved getting to know Mike (and Teri and Jendros) through the years, and seeing him in his blue & gold at home games. What a guy – we’ve lost a good one. Our best Bobcat thoughts to all, Kerry Hanson & Lauren Anderson from MSU
Jim Roberts says
Teri and family. We are so sad to hear of Mike’s passing so early. Definitely a huge loss for all of us. As neighboring Wardens we worked together a lot. Because of his personality every one was an adventure. And that laugh. Best laugh ever. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Linda Roberts
Jim De Boer says
Teri and family: I am consumed with grief over the loss of a great co-worker, friend and wonderful companion. We worked the bad guys and grizzlies together. If you look up on the hill the glint you see will be the refection from his binoculars. RIP, my friend and keep the cinch tight. Jim DeBoer.
Gary Bertellotti says
Teri and family,
Sadden by the passing of Mike. Prayers are with all of you. Mike had a way with all that left memories and experiences that only few friends can bring to life. As hard as it is to lose Mike, a part of him lives on in all those who he met.
My condolences
Gary Bertellotti
Terry Althaus says
I met Mike at our Basic Police Academy 40 years ago. We were the only F & G officers there among numerous other agencies. Mike immediately stood out not only as a really great person but a really professional law enforcement officer. Mike was a really big part of creating an image of Montana Game Wardens that could never be improved upon. Our paths crossed off and on from then. It was always something to look forward to. Terry Althaus
Jason Oliver says
I am praying for aunt teri and cousin chauchy in difficult time of Uncle mike’s death/ I remember how funny Uncle mike was! I will miss uncle mike and keep him in my heart. Love, Jason Oliver
John Mehn says
Dear Teri (and family),
Elaine and I were quite shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of cousin Mike. I cannot remember the last time I saw him, it must have been at our grandmothers wedding in the 80s. I, and my whole family, loved Mike as he was so kind and interesting. So much like his own father. He was quite a rugged outdoors type and I was so happy for him to have a nearly ideal job. My wife and I have been praying for you and your family during this time. We are praying the peace of Christ to give you strength and comfort you and the rest of your family. I will be joining the memorial service online from Pecatonica, Illinois. May the God of all Comfort be present with you.
John and Elaine Mehn
Travis Mehn says
The world lost an incredible man that was an inspiration to me and so many others. Aunt Teri and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will deeply miss watching Uncle Mike’s love of family and willingness to always be there and support family and friends. He was a great man, and his legacy will continue to go on.
Susie Ballif says
Dear Teri and family,
What a very sad day. I am so sorry for you all.
Please know you are in my prayers.
Lee A Disney says
We are blessed to have had to Mike and his family in our lives. Hugs to you Teri and crew, may God hold you gently through this storm.
We’ll meet again dear friend.
Love Lee and Karen Disney
Richard Bucsis says
Very sorry about our friend Mike. I will miss the hunting times and working cows at Ron’s and Clary”s.
Jan Mehn says
Teri, I am so sorry I missed the service, I did not hear about it until late in the day on Saturday or I would have been virtually present. You and your family remain in my prayers and thoughts as this was so sudden and Mike was such a fantastic person. I am also very sorry it has been so long (2016) since I last saw both of you, at the Mehn-Butenhoff family gathering at Mauthe Lake, Wisconsin. Please forgive my having misspelled your name when I sent you a little note the other day, I see now you only use one “R” in your first name.
Forever your cousin with hope for a peaceful acceptance of this tragedy with time, faith and love.
Jan Mehn says
I just want to thank the Michael Duane Mehn family again for sharing the beautiful and moving video of the remembrance service. It reinforced for me so much of what I knew about my cousin Mike, and also gave me even more insight into the rich and wondrous life he led. May God bless and keep you all.
Hank Worsech says
Teri I am truly saddened to hear of Mike’s passing
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I first met Mike while in the Ex-officio course and I had instant admiration for him, as a professional and great human being. I really enjoyed working with you guys. Mike always made me smile and as evidence by other comments here he had such a positive effect on all that knew him. And as Donna said I don’t think he would appreciate the Packers this year.
Lorraine Karwaski says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a joy and a hard working person at FWP. He was so happy, smiley, helpful and a joy to work with. He and Teri were “one of a kind”. My thoughts and prayers to Teri and family. He will be greatly missed. Hugs – Lorraine
Pat Flowers says
So sorry to hear that Mike has passed. It was my great honor and pleasure to work with Mike. He brought great heart and commitment to his work as a game warden – such a good guy. Montanans and our fish and wildlife were fortunate to have Mike looking out for us.
Cara Campbell says
There are no words to ease the sadness we are feeling over the loss of our dear friend, Mike. We have so many fond memories of fun times spent together, and we were looking forward to so many more times to share. We always loved to hear Mike’s stories, silly jokes, and thoughts on life. We will miss you for sure! Hope you are enjoying a nice cigar and a really good bourbon. Rest in peace, until we meet again. Our love and sympathy to Teri, Chauncy and family~he was so proud of each and every one of you, and loved you so much.
Cara & Bob