Anthony Michael Elich III

Minot

Anthony Michael Elich III, also known as Mike, 78, of Minot, ND passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on December 13th, 1946, in Billings, Montana to the late Anthony Michael Elich Jr. and Betty Irene Flo.

He grew up in Roundup, Montana and graduated from high school in 1964. He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968. He enjoyed telling stories about going underground and taking care of the missile sites in Minot, North Dakota.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, he decided to stay in Minot, ND and started working at North Dakota Health Care Review. He moved to Concord, California briefly to work for California Health Care Review but after a few years came back to be with his family and friends.

Outside of work, Mike loved to be outside and found joy in golfing, boating, fishing and camping. He loved nature and the peace it provided. Mike was known for his sharp wit, sarcasm, and an endless supply of humor. Everyone he met became his friend! He always had a joke to tell you and was one of the kindest souls. He loved his happy hour at the Bootlegrz Bar with his guys. His companionship will be missed by all.

Mike cherished his 2 children, Heather and Travis. He went to great lengths to make sure they were happy from the time they were born until his passing. He shared his joy of the outdoors by taking them camping and teaching them how to fish and ski. He would sit with them on the front porch and strum his guitar, singing his favorite songs. He was a wonderful father! He loved them deeply and molded them into the successful adults they are today. Mike was very thankful for them giving him 3 grandchildren whom he loved deeply.

Mike met his lifelong partner, Debbie Winger and they got to spend 26 glorious years together! They built a beautiful life, full of so much fun, love and laughter. They loved to be home together and dance the night away in the living room or have a night cap on their beautiful deck with their beloved yorkie Bella. They were snow birds for the last decade, going to their happy place in St. Pete Beach, Florida. There they made lifelong friends and memories that will be cherished forever. They shared their love of Florida with their children and grandchildren who will carry on their tradition.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of our friends and family that have reached out to us over the last few months, providing food, prayers, love and support.

Mike will be remembered for his kind heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for family, the great outdoors, and a good joke. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the laughter and memories he leaves behind.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, Debbie Winger; his beloved children, Heather and Chad Kersten and their children Carley Kersten and Jake Stein; Travis and Stacey Elich and their son Taylor; his brothers Tom Elich, Danny Ramsey and Greg Wadman; sister Julie Dyson; Godson Theodore Luedke along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gary Wadman.

Visitation will be held one prior to the start of Mike’s Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 3:30 pm at the Bootlegrz Bar in Minot. Please join us to share stories and truly celebrate the life of Mike Elich.

To view a recording of the memorial service (available 3/23) or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 19, 2025.