Michael Gerald Manion, 65
Michael Gerald Manion, 65, passed away Friday, March 10, 2006, at his home in Kalispell. He was born on Jan. 2, 1941, in La Crosse, Wis., to Gerald "Bud" and Frances (Cremer) Manion.
He moved with his parents and brother, Timothy Manion, to Kalispell in 1946. After high school, Mike attended Montana State University and the University of Montana.
He was honorably discharged from the U.S .Army in 1967. While in the Army, Mike attended the U.S. Air Defense School at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Mike's interest in aviation urged him to get his commercial and private pilot's licenses shortly after leaving the Army.
On July 27, 1968, Mike married Dorothy Jean Skornogoski, in Three Forks, whom he courted by flying her around the Flathead Valley. This union was blessed by three children. In 1981 he received his Doctorate of Philosophy, Ph.D, from Donsbach University.
For 15 years, Mike was the first voice heard in the morning while working at KGEZ Radio as announcer, manager and chief engineer. He later worked and retired from Montana Power in 1998. Most recently, Mike worked part-time at Glacier International Airport as a weather observer.
Mike was a Rotarian for more than 30 years. He served as past president and received the Paul Harris Fellowship during that time. Mike was involved in Leadership Flathead, America reads and served on the airport board. Mike will be remembered for his fascination with flying, fondness of the ocean, study of science and literature, quick wit and his love of entertaining his grandchildren with tall tales.
He was a member of Mount St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spokane, a traditional Latin Catholic Church.
Mike already is missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Frances Manion; his brother, Timothy Manion; and a nephew, Lee Michael Manion.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeannie Manion, of Kalispell; one son, John Michael Manion, of Spokane; two daughters, Kathleen M. Manion of Missoula, and Kelly Manion-Johansen and husband, Ron, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; two grandchildren, Emilly Grace and Andrew John Johansen; one sister-in-law, Susan Conroy; also a niece and nephew, Shannon and Kevin Conroy; and several cousins.
Funeral services for Michael Gerald Manion will be held at noon Wednesday, March 15, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Johnson Mortuary, with a rosary service at 5 p.m. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Fairview Cemetery in Three Forks.
The family suggests memorials be given to St. Matthew's Building Fund, 602 South Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Michael's family.