Michael Francis McLain

Michael Francis McLain, 78, of Havre, MT passed away on October 1, 2024. He was born in Havre, MT at Sacred Heart Hospital on September 24, 1946 to (William) Francis and Thelma (Cole) McLain. Mike was the oldest of 11 children.

He attended St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School from Kindergarten to 8th grade. He continued on to graduate from Havre Central High School in 1964. After H.S. he attended Northern Montana College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with endorsements in Guidance Counseling and Driver's Ed.

While attending college he worked at Andy's Supper Club and The Physical Plant on campus to earn money for his education. Mike was also the Vice President of the student body his senior year. As part of his duties he was required to attend the Freshman orientation dance on the eve of his 21st birthday. With great reluctance he attended the dance where he danced with his future wife, Paula Gartner from Sidney, MT. Lucky for him, she said yes, as he then had to borrow money from her to pay for his last quarter of school!

Following graduation Mike and Paula got married on June 29, 1968, in Sidney, MT. That fall they moved to Froid, MT where he taught H.S. English for 3 years and welcomed their first two daughters Michale and Nicki. They then moved to Opheim for the next 5 years where Mike continued teaching H.S. English and welcomed another daughter, Kasey.

In the summer of 1976 they moved again back to Havre. Mike got his final teaching job in Gildford at KG H.S. where he taught H.S. English, Driver's Ed, coached basketball and was the counselor for both Elementary and H.S. Four years after making their home in Havre, they welcomed another daughter, Erin. He retired from teaching in 1996 and went to work for his brother, Steve doing construction. He also continued teaching Driver's Ed at Havre High School.

Mike enjoyed his bi-weekly coffee club with his friends and his daily golf games. You could also find him attending local sporting events. His favorite sporting events were the ones he could cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren from hockey, basketball, softball, baseball, wrestling, and football. You could see him dressed in his team's gear and often hear him heckling the refs! Mike was an avid woodworker making many projects for his kids and grandkids, he transformed his garage into a woodshop.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Thelma McLain, his sister Sharon McLain, sisters-in-law; LuAnn, Mary, and Judi McLain and Brother-in- law Herb Hanson.

He is survived by his wife Paula of 56 years, daughters Michale (Kenny) Beck, Nicki (Jim) Branden, Kasey (Donald) Shettel, and Erin McLain. Grandchildren Tabitha (Clint) Bradbury, Katie Beck, Caleb McLain, Taylor McLain, Laine Shettel, Trent Shettel, Donovan (Delleny) McLain, Dexter Beck, Bryce Shettel, Paisley Branden, and Cutler Branden. Great Grandchildren Sammi, Stetson, and Sawyer Bradbury and Toby McLain. Brothers John, Bruce, Steve (Marilyn), Tracy (Steph), and Jay (Kathy) McLain. Sisters Peggy Hanson, Janet (Tom) Lipp, Wanda (Bob) Letang, Carol McLain. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His many grand dogs that he babysat and treated them like kids.

Memorials in Mike's Honor can be made to Havre Ice Hawks Scholarship Program, St Jude Booster Club, or Havre High Athletics.

A Rosary Service and viewing was held on Sunday October 6, 2024 at 6pm at St. Jude's Thaddeus Catholic Church in Havre, a Graveside Service was held Monday, October 7, 2024 at 1pm at Highland Cemetery in Havre. Wilderness Funeral Homes Havre has been entrusted with arrangements and services.

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