Dr Michael Ervin Metzger

1959 - 2025

Dr Michael Ervin Metzger

December 24, 1959 - January 23, 2025

Michael Ervin Metzger, 65, of Billings, passed away on January 23, 2025 due to a progressive neuromuscular disorder.

Born in Billings, Mont. on December 24, 1959, Mike was the sixth of nine children born to Ervin and Judy Metzger.

Mike attended UM where he studied pharmacy before graduating with a B.S. in Pre-Medical Sciences. Mike attended Medical School at the University of Washington in Seattle, under the WAMI program.

In 1986, Mike and Barb married in Livingston, Mont. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Mike completed an Internal Medicine residency at Good Samaritan and the Phoenix VA hospitals, and in 1989, they returned to Montana, along with newborn daughter Michelle. Susan was born two years later. For 20 years, Mike practiced Internal Medicine in Billings, before becoming board-certified in Addiction Medicine and working at Rimrock Foundation, where he served as Medical Director. Progressive muscle weakness forced his early retirement in 2018.

As a primary care provider, Mike was his patients' strongest advocate. During his career, Mike served as teacher and mentor to many medical students, P.A.s, and N.P.s. He twice received the "Preceptor of the Year" award from the UW School of Medicine. Mike also lectured medical students at MSU on Addiction Medicine. Mike worked with Montana Governor Steve Bullock and his administration to combat prescription drug abuse. Also under Bullock, Mike served on a commission for the Montana State Public Defender's Office to ensure that indigent persons receive adequate legal assistance.

Mike's hobbies included landscape photography, golfing, bowling, fly fishing, and reading on topics such as physics, cosmology, and spiritual health. Mike especially loved his Montana Grizzlies and attended the FCS National Championship football game (vs JMU) in 2004.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Judy (Huntington) Metzger. Surviving family include his wife, Barbara; his father, Ervin Metzger; daughters: Michelle (Will) Blakeley of Billings and Susan (Erik) Wood of Helena; grandchildren: Levi and Natalie Jo Blakeley and Addison Wood; and eight siblings: Cindy (Jerry) Riesinger and Karen (Tim) Morales of Laurel, Doug, Gary (Jean), and Mark (Marla) Metzger of Phoenix, Ariz., Tim Metzger and Margaret (Tom) Flynn of Billings, and Pat (Geri) Metzger of Boise, Idaho.

Mike received amazing care at home from his loving wife Barb, Cornerstone Home Health, Right at Home, and St. John's United Hospice.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. A vigil will be held Tuesday, February 11th, at 6 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel. As an alternative to flowers, donations can be made at https://periodicparalysis.org/, to support advocacy and research.