Michael John Descharme Sr. "Micky" "Mr. Mike"

Michael John Descharme Sr., our dear dad, beloved husband, brother and uncle, and our sweet "poppa," began his journey home to the creator on Saturday, Jan 15, 2011.

He passed peacefully after a six-month battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his family and friends, at St Patrick's Hospital in Missoula.

Mike was born on Aug 29 1934, to James Descharme and Anna Rose Sangray, on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation. He was the third of 12 children. He resided there until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955.

During this time, he married his first wife ,Delores Crawford,, from Townsend, Mont., and they had a son together, Michael James.

In 1959, Mike married the love of his life, Rose Anderson, in Helena, Mont. Mike and Rose had five children together, Pam, Michelle, Kathi, Marco and Michael John Jr.

In 1972, the family settled in Missoula. Mike was very proud to be a union iron worker. He traveled the country doing the job that he loved. The majority of his work was done in the Northwest local, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1998.

Mike will be missed by many as he had many friends from all walks of life. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile and his love for music. If there was a family gathering, you could be sure that he would be playing his guitar and singing. Although this will be greatly missed, we have been blessed with numerous memories of his music to be cherished forever.

Mike was preceded in death by both parents; three sisters; four brothers; sons, Michael James Descharme and Jerry Lee Henry; daughter, Michelle Marie Descharme; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Survivors include his wife, Rose Descharme; daughters. Pam (Jay) Hawk and Kathi Descharme; sons, Marco J. Descharme and Michael Descharme Jr. (Mary) and dear friend Rose Marie, all of Missoula; sisters, Bertha Descharme and Jean Descharme of Box Elder; brother, Bill Descharme (Jim) of Butte; 11 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Mike's children would like to thank the entire staff of the Montana Cancer Center and the staff of 5 North at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula for the compassionate care provided during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to one of these facilities.

Wake services will begin Tuesday afternoon at Rocky Boy Catholic Church and continue through Wednesday. His funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, with cremation to follow. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held in Missoula at a later date.