Michael Allen Illi, 44

Our beloved son, father, brother and husband, Michael Allen Illi, after a brief illness, “went to heaven” from Missoula, on May 15, 2015.

Michael was born on Nov. 2, 1970, in Park Rapids, Minnesota, to proud parents, JoAnn and Warren Illi. Michael’s very early years were spent in the family home overlooking one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. In 1972, the Illi family moved to Missoula where they lived for five years. In 1977, Michael and his family moved to Kalispell where he attended Edgerton Grade School, Kalispell Middle School and Flathead High School. In school, Michael excelled in many sports, especially golf.

After high school, Michael attended Montana State University, obtaining a degree in economics. Because of Michael’s love of sports, he was perhaps more proud of quarterbacking his fraternity to two intramural football championships than his diploma.

Upon graduation from college, Michael became involved in the investment business, working for several firms in Missoula. In 2007, Michael opened his own investment firm. Michael’s love for people and keen business mind combined to form a very successful business.

Michael married his first wife, Jill, in 1996. That marriage resulted in the birth of two wonderful daughters, Sarah Elizabeth Illi in 2001 and Kaitlyn Reese Illi in 2004. His daughters were the light of Michael’s life. He lovingly referred to them by many terms of endearments, including SJ Hammer Pants and Little Miss.

Michael later remarried in 2011, JoAnn Hogan of Missoula. In that marriage he gained a son, Kellan, whom he referred to as Kelmodeedo. The five of them blended a special family, sharing many wonderful memories that will strengthen them all in the weeks and years ahead.

If one phrase can describe Michael, it was his sheer love of life. You would never see him without a smile. He loved people, and was always willing to roll up his sleeves and go to work to help. He was an active and involved member of Crosspoint Community Church, and a witness for Christ. He also cherished his many friends, and loved any opportunity for a social get together.

Michael especially loved the game of golf and was a long-standing member of the Ranch Club Golf Course, where he was sometimes referred to as the “Mayor” of the Ranch Club. When Michael wasn’t golfing, he enjoyed his family’s lake cabin by Kalispell and hunting farm near Malta. He and his family and friends shared many special hunting and fishing trips to Alaska, Canada and Africa over the years.

Michael is survived by his wife JoAnn and son Kellan of Missoula; daughters, Sarah and Kaitlyn, of Kalispell; mother and father, Warren and JoAnn, of Kalispell; brother Erik of Kalispell; and numerous friends and loved ones. This larger-than-life man will be greatly missed.

Services for Michael will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 21, at Missoula’s Discovery Church. Burial will be 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, at Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, where are all are welcome. A special viewing for family and close friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., May 20, at Crosspoint Community Church in Missoula.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the building fund for the Crosspoint Community Church in Missoula.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.