Michael Gary Susag, 76, of Townsend MT, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016. He was diagnosed earlier this year with Mesothelioma. Michael was born to Harold and Eleanor Susag in Helen, MT on September 23, 1939 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Michael is a graduate of Helena High School, Class of ’57. Following graduation, he joined the US Air Force and spent the next four years as a munitions technician on B52’s in Roswell NM., upon honorable discharge from the Air Force, Michael returned to Helena and worked at the smelter in East Helena for a few years. He then attended Welltech in Utah and became an Electrical Engineer Technician. He hired on with IBM in 1964, in Bozeman MT as a Customer Service Engineer. His territory included servicing Yellowstone Park, Gallatin and Park counties. He retired from IBM after 30 years of service.
In the summer of 1964, at the East Helena Rodeo, Michael met Karen Webster who became his wife. They were married in Karen’s home town, Cleveland MN on April 24, 1965. They settled in Manhattan, MT and raised three children. Michael joined the Manhattan American Legion Post 87 where he was still an active member until his death. His activities also included bowling, hunting, camping, golfing, Boy Scout leader and volunteer fire fighting.
Michael is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen and their children, Christopher (Sarah); Michelle (Justin Bryant) and Craig (Shana) 9 grandchildren, his sisters Diane Chaffin, Cheryl Stemple and brother Kevin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eleanor and brother Gerald.
A viewing will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway St., Townsend. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 23rd at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A social hour will follow at the American Legion, 211 Broadway St., Townsend. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26th in the committal shelter at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the burial at the Fort Harrison Service Club. Memorials in Michaels name are suggested to the American Legion Department of Montana, P.O. Box 6075, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
2:30 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the service
Friday September 23, 2016
American Legion Post 42
211 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 26, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Commital Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday September 26, 2016
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
2:30 p.m.
Friday September 23, 2016
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the service
Friday September 23, 2016
American Legion Post 42
211 Broadway St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 26, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Commital Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday September 26, 2016
Fort Harrison Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Sandy and Ray Pryll says
Thinking of you and your family, at this difficult time. Sandy and Ray Pryll
Betty and John Brewer says
Mike was always a very happy loving man who everybody loved. He loved his family more than life itself. He adored his wife and his children and his grandchildren made his life complete. His sisters Diane (Chuck) and Cheryl (John) and his brothers Jerry and Kevin were such a big part of his life. He was brought up in a family that always showed others love compassion and a welcoming spirit to all. I was one of those blessed to be considered a (part) of their extended family.
I will always remember Mike by his sweet smile and kind nature. He was and is loved and cherished by so many that his passing seems to leave a big whole in many hearts. God has received a truly wonderful man, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and loving friend into Heaven. Though we grieve his passing here on earth we celebrate his new life in Heaven where he is free of pain and cancer and full of new life. I am sure his reunion with his Mom and Dad and brother Jerry was glorious. Karen he will be smiling down on you and your family and everyone who loved him until we all meet again in Heaven. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you in your healing process. You will always have his love and beautiful heart and personality right there with you anytime you smile as he will be smiling through you.
Mike you are missed and loved by so many but I want to thank you for allowing me to be your friend and a part of your beautiful family all these years. Fly now with the angels. You left such a positive and loving mark on this earth I can’t wait to see the wonderful things you will do in Heaven. God bless and keep you. Love you always. Betty and John Brewer
Damian Briggs says
I have many fond memories of driving to Manhattan with my family to visit with Mike and Karen and I would go and play with my cousins for it was the best of times. The Parties we all shared will always be in my heart and I will miss Mike very much and my thoughts and Prayers go out to Karen and her family during this very difficult time.
Cindy Younkin says
Dear Karen, Christopher, Shelly and Craig,
So sorry to read of Mike’s passing. He was a true and loyal patriot in his service to America. Our thoughts are with you.
The Younkins
Cindy Younkin says
Dear Karen, Craig, Shelly and Christopher,
So sorry to read of Mike’s passing. He was a true and loyal husband, dad and patriot . Our thoughts are with you.
The Younkins
Rob Hepp says
Dear Karen, Christopher, Shelly and Craig, Please accept our deepest sympathy at Mike’s passing. I was fortunate to work side by side with him for a period and we became good friends. No matter how crazy busy we were Mike would take to time to turn on his radio and have lunch at his desk in the office. He would always dissect a bad part to determine why it failed, and many times repair it to re-use. He was one of the best CE’s and Mechanics I have ever worked with. I admired his easy going nature and ability to never get stressed during stressful times at work, and his mellow attitude was contagious. I was fortunate to golf and have more than a few brews with Mike, Bob Murray and John Driver over the years, these guys were my mentors! Mike and Karen always knew how to enjoy life to its fullest. I will miss his humor, wit, and his smile. Rob and Sheila Hepp
Loreto McCullough says
Loreto McCullough says: Dear Diane & Cheryl I am so sorry for the loss of your Brother Michael. I want you to know my thoughts and Prayers are with you and all the family.
Loreto “PWEE” McCullough
Audie Morigeau says
Karen and family, so sorry for your loss, Mike was a great man and friend, I am proud to be able to say that I knew him. He will be missed by everyone.
Audie and Susan Morigeau
Tina Chaffin says
My heart is with the whole family! Being a part of this wonderful extended family has brought many great memories, and uncle Mike was a special part of those memories. He was a happy, loving, extraordinary man that always had a smile and hug for everyone! He had so much love and knowledge to share with everyone. He will be greatly missed. Love and miss you always.