Michael’s Obituary On March 9th, 2019 we lost our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and superhero Michael John Friede. Mike was born on March 8, 1956 to Beverly (Michalson) and Ralph Friede, he was the second oldest of 6 children. Mike grew up in Havre, graduated from Havre High and attended Northern Montana College.
He worked many different jobs from the time he was 15 years old including at the Montana Highway Department, Flynn Farms, Meland Farms and for the last 24 years, with Patrick Construction. He was a quick learner; could fix or build anything and learned many hard life lessons along the way. Mike was the best at sharing his experiences and life trials with the younger generation in hopes of making their lives easier.
In December of 1987, he met his soulmate and the love of his life, Sandra Murphy. However, it wasn’t love at first sight for Sandra, she was a bit leery of his wild partying side. But it wasn’t long before she realized they had so much in common, including that same wild side.
Sandra had a son and Mike knew he had to take the package deal or no deal at all. It didn’t take long for Mike and Dustin to become best buddies. Mike was an amazing dad and role model; the word stepfather was never used or allowed.
Sandra and Mike were married July 25th, 1992, and he treated Sandra as if the sun rose and set on her. Mike was very thoughtful and romantic; there were many candle lit dinners and roses. Friends would tell Sandra she was spoiled and in the same breath ask if Mike would talk to their husbands to teach them a thing or two.
Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Shelbee and Danielle. The girls had their dad wrapped around their tiny fingers. If they ever needed anything; the request was just preceded with “Please Daddy,” and he was right on it.
Every adventure with his children was about family bond, enjoying the outdoors either by hunting, fishing, or camping. He was full of patience with his kids whether it was baiting a hook, attempting to revive a fish that was hooked too long, learning how to use a gun, how to use power tools, and especially how to be a good person. Mike was very close to his siblings, being taught early on by his parents that family is the most important and, “If family can’t support each other, then you have nothing”.
On May 27, 2016 our lives were turned upside down when Mike was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. Once again, he grounded us and reminded everyone that this was “just a bump in the road”. He proceeded on with life as if nothing had changed, continuing to work at Patrick’s.
He had an amazing work ethic with the attitude of “if you’re going to do it you might as well do it right”. Mike didn’t officially retire from Patrick’s Construction until February 28, 2019. He has always said “if this disease is going to take me it will be on my terms”.
During this tough time, he had two amazing blessings: a grandson Jarvis and a granddaughter Lucy. He truly believed they were sent to comfort all of us; and they continue to do just that. In the past 3 years he enjoyed life to the fullest, traveling with his wife to Alaska, going on fishing trips, and a weeklong hunting trip last October.
At the end of February, the couple took a snow packed trip to West Yellowstone and rode a snow coach through the park; one last amazing adventure. When Mike was home, he tended to his flowers and garden; after all, 30 rose bushes take lots of tending. He never hesitated to help a friend or neighbor, even strangers.
Mike had many words he lived by, that we will follow and never forget: “The glass is half full”. “Someone always has it worse”. “Work with what you’re given”.
“Work hard and play hard”. “Peace, love, dove”. Mike is survived by his wife Sandra, son Dustin Murphy, daughters Shelbee (Brian) Fritchman and Danielle Friede; grandchildren Jarvis and Lucy; siblings, Marcia (Les) Armstrong, Virgina Zumbrun, Tom (Debi) Friede, Pat (Dot) Friede and Carol Loomis; in-laws Richard and Dory Henderson; and numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Jack and Carolyn Murphy, and brother-in-law John Zumbrun. Service will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on March 16th, 2019 at 11 am. Followed by a celebration of life at the Eagles.
His family has suggested memorial donations be made in Mike’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Line, 500 First Ave, Havre, the Northern Montana Sletten Cancer Center, 40 13th St. W, Havre, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Mike’s online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at www.
hollandbonine.com.
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