Michael John Kase

Michael John Kase, 78, of Billings, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 25, 2024. Mike was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, on May 26, 1946, to Eugene and Dorothy (Kenna) Kase. Michael moved with his family at the age of 3 to Havre. He attended local parochial schools, graduating from Havre Central High School in 1966. Throughout his middle and high school years, Michael worked his summers on the Anderson farm near Harlem, which he loved. After high school, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed about the USS Samual Gompers, a naval repair ship based in Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands. On board the Gompers, he worked repairing Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopters used aboard Naval Destroyers.

On Oct. 12, 1968, Michael married the love of his life, Jeanne Turbak of Havre. During their 55 years of marriage, the couple was blessed with two children: a son, Michael, and a daughter, Melissa.

In 1971, Mike and Jeanne decided to settle in Billings, where Mike initiated his diverse work career. First, he helped start the ABCO Supply Company. Mike then moved on to the trucking industry, where he worked with Barber Freight. He later transferred to Yellow Freight in the position of terminal manager. He later moved on to D&D Transportation. In 1989, Mike was severely injured on the job and could no longer work the trucking industry. Subsequently, he decided to further his education. He enrolled at MSU Billings, where he attained his BA degree in elementary special education. Mike spent the next 20 years coaching girls' basketball and softball, first at Billings Central High School and later at Billings West High School. He helped Central win two State softball titles in 1994 and 1995. Later, Mike was instrumental in establishing and supervising Mamacitas restaurant.

Mike loved the great outdoors and spent years fishing, hunting and boating near the cabin he purchased near Forst Smith. Unfortunately, Mike's health started to decline in 2016. Physicians discovered tumors in his brain. Regrettably, with the removal of the tumors, Mike suffered some brain damage and was confined thereafter to a wheelchair. However, he could still garden with indoor plants, something he loved.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy; and his adopted family Gilbert, Betty and Greg Anderson. Two brothers, Tim Mullowney and Bob Kase preceded him as well. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son Michael and wife Karena; grandson Dane; as well as his daughter, Melissa. He also leaves behind three brothers, Jim, Tom and Bill; four sisters, Kitty, Ruth, Peggy and Patricia; as well as many nieces and nephews. He additionally leaves some "family of the heart": brothers Bruce, Gilbert, Jim and Bill, as well as sisters Debbie and Blanche.

As Mike's family, we would like to express our gratitude to all his caregivers over the years and the amazing VA Home Based Care Team. You were always there when we needed you.

Services for Mike will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 717 18th St. West.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of Mike's daughter Melissa, who currently awaits a kidney transplant..