Michael John Renaker

Michael John Renaker of south of Chinook passed away Sunday, August 3, of natural causes. He was 54. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mike was born on Dec. 10, 1959 in Missoula, Montana, to George Thomas Jr. and Doris (Green) Renaker. The family moved several times before arriving in Havre, where Mike graduated from HHS in 1978. He worked as a mechanic for Heltne's Exxon before traveling to Oregon to work for Geo Tech Services. After moving back to north-central Montana in the mid-'90s, Mike worked as a ranch hand south of Chinook for Russell Sorenson and Mike Tilleman. He enjoyed working with the land and the animals. Mike was an avid dog lover and hunter as well.

Mike is survived by his parents, Tom and Doris, his brother Steve (Pam) and sister Karrie (Kevin) Barsotti, nephews Kasey (Tiffany, Brooklyn, Asher) Barsotti, Kyle Renaker, Brett (Candice) Renaker, Kade Barsotti, and a niece Kelsie (Colby) Mader. An older brother, George Thomas III, preceded him in death in 2002.

Memorials in Mike's name can be made to RezQ Dogs, c/o Anita Wilke, P.O. Box 83, Dodson, Montana 59524. They also have a way to donate on their website, rezqdogs.org. You may also donate to any organization of your choice.