Obituary - Michael G. Talks Different

Michael G. Talks Different, 79, passed away due to natural causes at the Billings Clinic Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 

Wake services were held Sunday, August 25, 2024, and his funeral was at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2024, all at the Red Whip Center in Fort Belknap.  Mike was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mari, in the Harlem Cemetery following his funeral service. 

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Mike's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .

Mike (Mikey) was born to Irene and Lindy Doney in Helena, Mt., and was adopted by his grandparents Ira and Mary (Big Beaver) TalksDifferent. He grew up in Hays where he attended the Mission school where he was an Altar boy for 12 years. He then moved to Flandreau where he attended high school. While there, he broke the record for the 440 yard dash, which still holds today.

Mike entered the U.S. Air Force in August 1963, and was honorably discharged in April 1975. Mike was a B52 Jet aircraft mechanic and crew chief. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veteran and served in the Southeast Asia war (Vietnam).

Mike was employed with the Department of Veteran Affairs as the tribal veteran outreach coordinator.

Mike graduated from the Fort Belknap Community College in 1992 with his associate degree in human services.

In 2018, Mike was elected to sit on the Fort Belknap Assiniboine treaty committee.

Mike loved to sing, he was taught by Grandpa Ira. He knew songs for every ceremony. He would sing when the sun came up, all through the day, and when the sun went down. He was asked to sing for many dignitaries, Senators, Governors, Lieutenant Governor, Bishops, Monsignors, Priests, and many veterans and their families. Mike loved to spend time with his grandchildren, going to cross country meets, volleyball and basketball games and wrestling tournaments cheering them all on.

Mike was preceded in death by Grandpa Ira and Mary Talks Different; his late wife, Mari Talks Different; brothers, Alvin "Cubby" Talks Different, Clarence Talks Different, Bobby Talks Different and Sherman Talks Different; daughters Anna Talks Different, Gerarda Talks Different, Elisha (Tiny) Talks Different and Petaga Talks Different, along with numerous other relatives

He is survived by his daughters, Dori Talks Different, Tisha Talks Different, Ada Talks Different, Carrie Talks Different, Shelley (Monte) Jeffres, Valerie (William) Blackcrow, Kelly (Andy) Messerly, Mariel (Dwight) Talks Different, and adopted granddaughter Aizha Talks Different, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and lots of relatives.