Michael Badzioch Jr.

Michael "Mike" John Badzioch, the "Polish Prince of Pork", 69, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday, October 29, 2024, surrounded by his adoring family who loved him so much.

On November 8, 1954, Mike was the third child born to Michael and Alma Badzioch in Chicago, IL. Mike grew up in and around Chicago, working at his father's wholesale meat company and spending his summers at his mother's family farm in Wausakee, WI.

After Mike graduated high school from Main East High School in Park Ridge, IL, he enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman. But the allure of working on the Alaska Pipeline brought him to Fairbanks, AK. It was there that he met the love of his life, Stephanie Elliott from Missoula, MT.

Eventually, Mike and Steph made their way back to Missoula and were married on March 29, 1980. In 1981, they welcomed their first daughter, Marissa, into the world followed by Molly in 1983 and Mikaela in 1987. Mike taught his girls how to fish, change flat tires, and pick a good cut of beef at the butchers; but he also used to paint their nails, and put barrettes in their crazy, curly hair and picked them up from parties in high school at which they did not want stay.

Mike made his living in Missoula as a traveling meat salesman, ultimately becoming the Northwest Sales Manager for Daily's Bacon. He loved fishing, cooking, boating, caring for his lawn, his beloved Chicago Bears, and taking family road trips. He loved taking his family back to Illinois and Wisconsin and his family loved being able to have these places in their lives. But Mike's real reason for living was being a dad and taking care of his girls. The doting only intensified when he became a Grandfather (Dziadzia in Polish and to his grandkids). He loved his family around him. And he always laughed at our jokes.

Mike and Steph bought many properties around Missoula and Montana and lived in many homes. Finally, they settled up Grant Creek which became known as Headquarters. Mike would always welcome a new friend of his daughter's, a colleague who didn't have family in town for Thanksgiving, anyone who needed another HQ since they might be away from their HQ. The Badzioch Headquarters and Mike's giving nature made everyone feel welcome in the Badzioch home.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Bonnie Chizmar, and his nephew Jim Chizmar.

Mike is survived by his wife Stephanie, Missoula; his three daughters Marissa (Seaghan Herron), Molly, and Mikaela; his three grandchildren, Molly's daughter, Sawyer Badzioch; Seaghan and Marissa's son, Murray Herron; and Mikaela's son Halas Badzioch; his sister Christine Ward (David Ward), and niece Megan Wages (Ben Wages) and Megan and Ben's kid's, Eli and Anthony.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on November 8, 2024 at Garden City Funeral Home and all are welcome. We would love to see you and hug you. He will be laid to rest at Missoula City Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of donations, the family has requested that everyone go out and help their neighbors, families, friends. Help cook a meal, mow someone's lawn, deliver groceries, visit your kids, etc. Make someone's day a little easier, if you have the chance.

We love you, Dad, and we will miss your larger-than-life presence forever. Thank you for teaching us how to care for both ourselves and for each other. Our family is this strong because of the way you raised us. Real Deal. True Story.