Michael T Franich

Michael T Franich, 67, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away Saturday November 16, after a tragic accident. Michael was born to Mike and Josephine Franich in Butte, Montana in 1952, graduated from Butte High School in 1970 and married his high school sweetheart Michele in 1973. They had two children Micheal (little Mike) and Kimberly. Michael was a long time trucker and in 1981 he moved his family to start a ranching life in Whitehall, MT. Michael always had many irons in the fire and for many years he ran the trucking business and ranch simultaneously. In the late 90's he branched out to become a T & L Pivot dealer.

He was man of many pursuits and in addition to the ranching, trucking, and pivot business, for a time, he owned and operated a local feed store in Whitehall.

Unofficially, he was an engineer, an electrician, plumber, mechanic, builder, mentor, and musician. A jack of all trades and a master of all. If he didn't know how to do something, he learned. The word 'can't' was not allowed in his vocabulary. He loved researching a variety of things through the internet and following online live auctions and stock trading. His passion and main hobby was taking care of family and friends in need which he excelled at.

Michael had a witty and unforgettable sense of humor with a smile that lit up a room. In recent years, he joked about having five wives because he was the go-to guy for all of Michelle's sisters and extended family whenever they needed help. Fourth of July was always a huge effort every year as he prepared two motor homes, a camper and a boat for the annual family campout at Georgetown Lake and to him worth every bit of it. This was the only time he took away from his non-stop work in the summer.

His greatest trait was his generosity and kindness to others. His character was unsurpassed and he was admired by many and he considered anyone he met a friend.

Michael is survived by his wife Michele, two children, Mike Franich (wife Christy), Kimberly Hertin (husband Seth), adopted son Nelson Yoder, mother Josephine Franich, brother Dave Franich (Kate), sister Kathy Green (Joe), grandson Cruz Franich, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and other family and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his father Mike, his grandparents and numerous special aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services and reception will be held at the Whitehall Community Center, 3 North Division Whitehall, Montana at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday November 23, 2019. Donations may be made in memory of Michael Franich to the charity of your choice.