Michael Eugene Pitzen, 64

Michael Eugene Pitzen, 64, passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2007, at his residence in Richey.

Mike was born April 29, 1943, in Walker, Minn., the son of Michael and Ruby (Adams) Pitzen. He was raised and educated in Walker, graduating from high school with the class of 1961. After graduation, Mike entered the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharge from the military in January of 1966.

Mike married Jacque Storbeck on Dec. 18, 1976, in Everett, Wash.

Mike worked as a salesman for Western Building Center in Kalispell off and on for 25 years.

He and his wife moved to Richey in 2002, where Mike was a member of the Richey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7887 for five years and had served as post commander for the last year.

He was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his wife Jacque. He especially loved pheasant hunting with his black lab, Nikki, whom he always referred to as 'his black girlfriend.' Mike had taken many trophy animals over the years.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, and a daughter, Chelsea.

He is survived by his wife, Jacque, of Richey; his mother, Ruby, of Walker, Minn.; two daughters; Melody Ollom and her husband, Keith, of Snohomish, Wash., and Laramie Head and her husband, Paul, of St. Charles, Ill.; a son, Michael Pitzen and his wife, Tonia, of Bothell, Wash.; three brothers; Jim Pitzen, Steve Pitzen and his wife, Mary, and Patrick Pitzen and his wife, Diane, all of Walker, Minn.; five grandchildren, Kacie Ollom, Kolten Ollom, Sam Pitzen, Dillon Pitzen and James Head; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by family friends, Jessie Serres of Bigfork, Melissa Hansen of Glendive, China Love of Kalispell, and Betty and Phil Reed of Bigfork.

Private funeral services are planned for a later date.

Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.