Michael Dutchak

Michael James (Jimmy) Dutchak, 70, of Great Falls, died of cardiac arrest at his apartment on Tuesday, January 12, 2012.Visitation will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.His funeral service will follow at 2:00p.m.Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.He was always known as Jimmy to his family and friends when he was growing up since his dad's name was Michael, but as an adult he introduced himself as Mike Dutchak Mike was born in Great Falls to Michael and Helen (Alfano) Dutchak on September 19, 1941. He was the oldest of three boys and a half-sister. Mike's father died when he was 11 years old, and 2 years later his mother married Joseph Mick, who was a wonderful stepfather.Mike attended elementary school at Franklin School and St. Mary's Catholic School, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959. For a couple of years after high school he worked as a ranch hand around Great Falls, and then he joined the Army in 1962. He had tours in Germany and Vietnam and was honorably discharged at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1969. He had attained the level of sergeant and received several letters of commendation, metals, and other forms of recognition while in the service. He had a metal plate in his head from a war injury and also had continuing health problems from being exposed to Agent Orange while he was in Vietnam.Mike married Marvel Estes Evensen in Tacoma, WA, on October 31, 1968. Their daughter, Michelle, was born on May 7, 1970. Marvel died of hepatitis on August 1, 1970. Mike married Joan Riese Boushack on May 15, 1971. She had two children, Leslie Anne and Roger, whom he later adopted, and Joan adopted Michelle. Joan passed away on August 9, 2000.In Tacoma, Mike worked as a journeyman mechanic for Pacific Truck Company and Northwest Trailer Repair until 1988, and then he was hired as a journeyman mechanic for Boeing. He worked there until his retirement in 1999. When he worked for Boeing he often flew on test flights with new aircraft to be sure everything was working right. In 2001 he decided to move back to Great Falls to enjoy his retirement. His hobbies included having coffee and breakfast out with friends and with his brother John, going to the Voyager's baseball games and going to HO model train shows. He had quite the collection of model trains and had a model train layout that took over most of his bedroom!Mike was a life member of the American Legion and was proud of his military service. He attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic parish and had a strong faith. Mike was a master mechanic and could fix just about anything and he was a very friendly and outgoing person who loved to visit with people.Mike is survived by his three children, Michelle Dutchak of EI Dorado, KS, Leslie Anne (Chris) Skinner of Belfair, WA, and Roger Dutchak (fiance Cynthia Holt), of Wichita, KS. He also is survived by six grandchildren, Sarah Starr Skinner, Kevin Skinner, Nicole Dutchak Williams, and Brant Dutchak, all of WA, and Danielle and James Rosecrans of EI Dorado, KS. Also surviving him are two brothers, John (Nancy) Dutchak of Great Falls and Kenneth (Nona) Dutchak of Loveland, CO.He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael Dutchak and Helen Mick; his stepfather, Joseph Mick; his sister, Kathleen Mick Anderson Barrett; and his wives, Marvel Dutchak and Joan Dutchak.Jimmy, we loved you and we'll miss you. May you rest in peace!