Michael Stanley Muszkiewicz
Michael passed away of natural causes at his home on November 16, 2012, in Helena, Montana. He was 64 years old.
Michael was born at a U.S. Army hospital in Kyoto, Japan on September 14, 1948. He was the first son of Phyllis Cecilia (Turel) and Stanley Isadore Muszkiewicz.
After living in Germany, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Kentucky, Michael’s family eventually settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended St. Joseph’s Seminary, Aquinas College, and graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, after serving honorably in the U.S. Army.
Michael married Linda Keesaer in 1974 and had one son, Luke Muszkiewicz. Michael and Linda divorced in 1981.
Michael began his professional career as a psychologist at the Murdoch Center in Butner, North Carolina. He then relocated to work for the State of Montana, first as a psychologist for the Boulder River School and Hospital and eventually as an administrator for the Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, where he played a major role in the deinstitutionalization of Montana’s developmentally disabled. Later, he was named the administrator of the State Purchasing Division of the Department of Administration.
In 1987, Michael survived a stroke during surgery to resolve a cerebral aneurysm. He retired from the State of Montana shortly afterward.
Michael was a great father to his son, Luke. They loved exploring the outdoors, going on roadtrips, and tinkering down in the basement.
Michael made many friends who think of him as family to this day. Although he never considered leaving Montana, he and Luke spent many summers back home in Michigan, visiting his parents, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Michael spent his later years enjoying breakfasts at his favorite cafes, movies at the theater, and conversations and visits with his family.
Michael left us too soon and will be missed by many. His loved ones will especially miss his firm handshake, strong hug, warm smile, and bellowing laugh. He died a blessed and happy man.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Phyllis, and grandson, Merek Muszkiewicz.
Michael is survived by his siblings, Phyllis Ann Tisdale, Barbara (Ben) Phlegar, John (Jo) Muszkiewicz, and Joe Muszkiewicz; son and daughter-in-law, Luke Muszkiewicz and Virginia Reeves; granddaughters, Hannah Muszkiewicz and Margot Muszkiewicz; and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
The Vigil for the Deceased will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, November 26, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. Sixth Ave., Helena. A Funeral Mass will be held at noon Tuesday, November 27, at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs St., East Helena, with a reception to follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. The Rite of Committal will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Helena, after the reception. If desired, memorials in Michael’s name may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. To offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Michael, send to 1132 Lincoln St., Austin, Texas, 78702 or visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday November 26, 2012
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Ss Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Graveside Service
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday November 26, 2012
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Ss Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Graveside Service
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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Nan LeFebvre says
I am very saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. He was truly a wonderful man and will be missed. My prayers go out to Luke and all of Mike’s family and friends.
Claudia E. Thomas says
There are some people that one never forgets … individuals who display unending kindness and are an example to their contemporaries. Michael was just such a man. Thoughts and prayers to all, knowing we will all see one another again in the place the Lord has prepared for those that Love Him. RIP Michael … the angels are blessed by your presence.
Larry Lovelace says
Luke and all the Muszkiewicz family, I want to express my sincere condolences on Mike’s passing. He was a very nice man and a very gentle soul. All of us that worked with Mike or knew him as a friend benefited from his advice and direction over the years. I will always remember the help and encouragement he gave me in my work career. My very best to you Luke and your family and all the Muszkiewicz family. Mike was a good man and left us way too soon. Larry Lovelace
Sue Turel Denton says
Dearest Family ~
Our thoughts, prayers & hearts are with you at this time.
So sorry that the miles have kept our visits to few.
Always enjoyed the gatherings where Mike was able to be with us.
May peace be in your hearts.
Love to All
Cousin Susie
Peter McKinley says
Dear Luke…
There are only words to offer you at this moment. Know in your heart, though at this moment you are feeling a huge loss, over time that sense of loss and pain will be slowly joined with the many memories of the life your dad lived. It was a life filled with love for you and many others. Embrace those memories and allow them to sustain in the coming days. May you find the peace and grace from God that comes from above and allow that to be your guide. Pete McKinley
Gail DeBono says
Luke, Virginia & Family,
So sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose your parent(s). It will take time to heal but eventually you will be able to have memories and you will smile instead of cry.
Hugs,
Gail
(PEAK)
Judy and Jim Scheier says
Dear Ones,
Jim and I are so very sorry at Mike’s passing. What a nice person. I will never forget the very first day in our new home that he welcomed us with a lovely “welcome to the neighborhood note” and a bottle of wine. He was a class act.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
JulieAnn Culpon says
Luke & Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. It is so hard to lose a parent. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God’s tender hands support you during this difficult time. Hold those precious memories of your dad close. In time, they will help ease the pain of the parting.
God Bless!
JulieAnn
Kevin and Kelly Powers says
Dear Luke,
We were so saddened to learn your father passed away. We wish you and your family lots of love and peace during this time.
Your friends,
Kelly and Kevin
Richard Thayer says
I attended St. Joe’s with Mike. We spent many hours walking and talking. It saddens me to hear of his way too early passing. Dick