Michael Dale Ricky Freier

Michael Dale Ricky Freier, better known as "Uncle Mike" to family and friends, died March 20, 2014, at his residence in Havre. Services are planned for Friday, March 28, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel at 11 a.m.

Uncle Mike was born Sept. 27, 1959, in Havre, the ninth of 10 children born to Emil and Catherine Freier. He grew up mostly in Montana but also spent time in Washington state following the divorce of his parents. Later, Mike resided in Butte, Mont., for a number of years before returning to Havre in the late 1990s to be closer to family.

Having no children of his own, Uncle Mike had a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews. Uncle Mike's close bond with his nieces and nephews began with the birth of his first niece, Judie, in 1971. Uncle Mike remained extremely close with Judie until his death. Uncle Mike was a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and enjoyed watching professional wrestling on television. Uncle Mike was also a huge animal lover who owned numerous dogs over the years, including his most recent dog who survived him, Yankee. Uncle Mike once gave one of his dogs, Sadie, to his young niece, Tina, who had fallen in love with the black lab.

In his later years, poor health caused Uncle Mike to have to rely on home health care workers and these workers, including Bobbie Kase, became like family to him. They allowed him to live out the remainder of his life in his home with dignity.

Uncle Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Catherine Freier. He was also preceded in death, by four brothers, James, Emil Jr, David, and Donald Freier, and two sisters, Myrna Freier and Diane Freier Petersen.

Uncle Mike is survived by three sisters, Mary (Ben) Turner and Connie Chapman, both of Havre, and Lorrie Freier of Spokane, Wash.; and three brothers, Clayton (Debi) Freier of Miles City, Richard Freier of Spokane, and Edward Freier of North Dakota. Uncle Mike is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and close friend, Nick Mangold.

Memorials can be made to the Havre Food Bank or to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine.