Michael Brown McGonigal died peacefully in his home with the love of his family on April 6th after a fulfilling life flight of 90 years.
Michael was born on March 20, 1924 to George Patrick McGonigal and Mary Brown McGonigal of Bellevue, Idaho. He was the eldest of his three brothers Thomas, George and John. He spent his early years on the family homestead, Spring of Gladness Ranch. He graduated from Bellevue High School in the spring of 1942. He entered the Army Air Corps the following fall and served his country as a decorated P-38 Fighter Pilot in the Pacific theater during World War II. He rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant before his honorable discharge.
Michael attended the University of Nebraska and Gonzaga University before graduating from Carroll College in 1952 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He married the beautiful Ellen Marie Walsh on June 24, 1950 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. They raised five children in the home they built together.
Upon his graduation from Carroll, Michael began work at the Mountain States Telephone Company as a draftsman. He was quickly promoted to engineer and retired in the spring of 1981 as a Supervising Engineer of the Right of Way Department.
Michael was a skilled carpenter and built several homes in the Helena area. He shared his passion for the great outdoors with his family through many memorable hunting, fishing, and skiing adventures. He never lost his love for the open skies and could often be found flying his plane to Idaho so he could continue to work on the family ranch long after his retirement.
Michael was a devoted Catholic, an active parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Helena and a strong supporter of Catholic education. He was also a member of the Right of Way Association, The Telephone Pioneers, the Sleeping Giant Flying Club, and The American Legion. Michael also gave back by volunteering as a service driver for the Disabled American Veterans Association.
Michael is survived by his brother John (Rosemary) of Jerome, Idaho; his children Michael W. (Mary) of Hailey, Idaho; Patrick of Fairmont; Tim (Nancy) of Great Falls; Mary (Bill Duede) of Townsend; Ellen (Ron Osborne) of Helena. Michael is also survived by granddaughters Melissa McGonigal Cobb, Mary, Molly, Misha; grandsons Brien, Daniel, Kelly, Jacob, Sean, Evan, Joseph, William, Levi and Jason. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ellen, his brothers George and Thomas McGonigal and granddaughters Tami, Nancy and Susan McGonigal.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10th at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue. A Mass will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 11th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 North Ewing Street, with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial with Military Honors will take place following the reception at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. Memorial in Michael’s name may be sent to VA Montana Health Care System Voluntary Services, 3687 Veteran’s Drive, Fort Harrison, Montana, 59636, The Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 North Ewing Street or Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Avenue, Helena, 59625. To offer condolences to Michael’s family or to share a memory, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
350 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Brondel Center of Cathedral
350 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:45 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
350 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Reception
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Brondel Center of Cathedral
350 N. Ewing Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
2:45 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
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Tom Cordingley says
Mike was a great guy I had met through the flying club. Although I didn’t know him well, it was always a pleasure to chat with him about his trips to Dillon. I’ve been wanting to ask Tim how Mike was doing so we could get another chat in but, sadly, am too late. My best to the family. I’ll miss the guy. Tom C
Bev and Don Opitz says
Dear family, As a longtime neighbor, your dad was a quiet man, but willing to help when needed Hugs to all of you. We care. Bev and Don
Jane Klein says
Mary and Family,
Many memories of your dad have been with me this week. He was such a good person. I am sure your memories will keep him close in your heart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jane
Kirsten Faubion says
Dear Ellen and Family,
Very sad for your loss. Your Dad lived an interesting and full life. May those memories comfort you at this time. Very nice obituary honoring his life.
Regards,
Kirsten Faubion