Michael Meyer

Michael Reese Meyer was born to Henry and Helen Meyer on the 8th of January 1953 in Coos Bay, Oregon. Early in his life the family moved to Spokane, Washington. Michael was born the youngest of five children and his brothers Doug, Stan, Cal, and Greg all helped raise Mike and showed him the ropes of life. Often the brothers got into all sorts of hijinks that would have grayed their mother's hair faster if she would have had any idea of what was going on. At the age of 5, he and his family moved to Southern California. Michael grew up in a financially unstable household and the fear of losing everything was a common thought on his mind as he aged. He and his brothers spent many days at the beach, enjoying being away from home that was not always a happy one. Mike saw his two older brothers leave to join the Airforce. When Mike was in Junior High, the family moved to Billings. The tenor of the home became increasingly difficult. This was compounded by the tragic loss of his brother Greg from a carbon monoxide leak within their home. Michael lost his best friend that night.

Michael focused on sports as a way of staying out of the house. He loved football until he ruptured his spleen during a practice. He went on to become a successful gymnast, winning the state all-around title his senior year of high school. He would graduate from Senior High school in 1971 and shortly thereafter enlist in the Air Force following all three older brothers. For the next four years he was able to visit various countries in Europe, as he was stationed in Germany. He would often talk about the castles and cities that he toured. He had always wished to return to Europe one day. When his orders for VietNam were rescinded, Michael returned to Montana where he would finish his service at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

In 1978, while working a job at the Metra, he met Andrea Hupp. They married on June 9, 1979. Michael returned to college and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He did not use his degree but would work several jobs until he found a career in 1984 as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service. In the same year, he and Andrea welcomed their first child, Jacob. Two years later their second child, Erick, joined the family. Michael loved being a father and, with Andrea, taught his children how to be good people. He never raised a hand to them and was able to end the cycle of abuse that had followed his family for generations.

During his career, he worked through multiple health issues but made sure that his family always came first. Michael was supportive of his children and attended many of their games and wrestling bouts. He also played fast pitch softball for many summers. He was a gifted artist and loved to paint in watercolor. He always enjoyed spending time with family and attended several reunions for both his family and Andrea's. He was a family man and had strong faith in God.

He would work for the USPS for over 30 years, and in 2015 was able to retire. He was finally free to put his feet up and relax. Michael enjoyed his retirement even as his health worsened. He was proud to watch both of his sons graduate from college with education degrees. They are now teachers in Billings Public Schools. His youngest son, Erick, his children: Reece, Peyton, and Noah. Michael loved to spoil all of them and truly enjoyed being a grandfather.

After multiple health issues, in the fall of 2023, Michael would have to come to terms with the end of his life. He did so with great strength, faith and courage. He was able to say goodbye to many of his family and friends. He was truly grateful for everyone that came to see him and wanted people to celebrate his life instead of lamenting his passing. He passed away on the morning of October, 7th 2023. He left the world peacefully, knowing the people he loved most would carry on with his memory.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Billings Family Services, Shriners, or the cancer society would be a grateful alternative to honor Mike's memory.