On the evening of March 16th, 2025, Mike passed away at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born April 23rd, 1942 in Ishpeming, Michigan to Marie and Oiva Ritari. Mike and his family moved to Montana, where he grew up and lived his life. Butte is where Mike called home, but he also enjoyed living in Philipsburg, Silver Star, and Whitehall, Montana for short amounts of time.
Mike attended local schools, and later joined the Marine Corps in 1959. He was honorably discharged in 1961. He worked various jobs throughout his life including a boilermaker, and he also performed production work at ASIMI/REC until his retirement.
Mike was proud to be sober for 35+ years. He also enjoyed his meetings playing cribbage and socializing with his many friends he met through AA. His sense of humor and stories enabled him to establish friendships that would last a lifetime, providing him a great amount of happiness.
Mike married Helen Baliling on June 6th, 2008. Together they shared nearly 17 years of marriage, and were blessed with Ava Marie on July 2nd, 2022.
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Marie Lloyd Johnson; father, Oiva Michael Ritari; and brother, Dennis Ritari.
Mike is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Mick (Ellie) Scheulen, Lynne (Robert) Carter, Tom (Kathy) Scheulen, step-daughter Stacy Furlong, and Ava Ritari; nephews, Kevin (Stephanie) and son Peyton Ritari, Keith Ritari, Ryan (Jen) and son Kayle Ritari; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held April 4th, 2025 at Holy Spirit Church located at 4400 Continental Drive, Butte, MT. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, funeral mass at 11:00am, burial following the mass. A reception will follow at Holy Spirit Church reception hall.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Michael and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Michael.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Burial
Immediately Following Mass
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Following the burial
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Reception Hall
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, Montana 59701
Burial
Immediately Following Mass
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Following the burial
Friday April 4, 2025
Holy Spirit Catholic Church Reception Hall
4400 Continental Drive
Butte, MT 59701
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Steve McGrath says
My condolences to Mike’s family. He was a memorable guy from Finn Town who left us on St. Uhro’s Day. I’m sure many are mourning his loss.
Jean Sonsteng says
So very sorry Helen…wishing you peace and prayers for you and Ava…
Terri Sparks says
Helen sorry to hear of your husband Mike’s passing. Blessing to you and Ava and the rest of the Ritari family.
Terri Sparks
Robin Murner-Dennis says
Thinking of you and the family during this time of sorrow. May you find peace in the love that surrounds you!. Rest in peace Mic.
LEE ANN STEINBROOK says
From your neighbors Steve and Lee,you are all in our prayers.RIP Mike,you fought long and hard.
Lori Powers says
Helen and Eva,
We are so sorry for your loss. May your memories help you through this time of sadness. Mile was not only our neighbor but also a very good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you both