Mike Schirado, 96, Glen Ullin, ND passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Marian Manor Nursing Home. A gathering will occur at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 25, 2022, in the side room at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Glen Ullin, ND, with Father Gary Benz. Burial will be in Saint Clements Cemetery.
Mike was born January 4, 1926, 12 miles north of Glen Ulan on the family farmstead. He attended rural school obtaining his 8th grade certificate. Mike met the love of his life in Beulah, ND and on March 5, 1946, Mike and Geraldine (Gerry) were married in Beulah, ND. On their wedding day, Mike played the guitar and Gerry played piano at the reception.
Shortly after their marriage, Mike was offered a job working on a cattle ranch for his new bride's uncle in Helena, MT. Mike proudly herded cattle up in the beautiful mountains. Mike sent Gerry back home to North Dakota because she was young and became homesick. In a couple of months, Mike moved to back to Glen Ullin where he built a basement home for his family. Mike took on the task of learning carpentry and brickwork under Joe Hellman and Joe Hartinger. Together they built homes in the Glen Ullin area. Mike also worked as a bartender when needed at Palmberg's Bar. Mike missed farming so he took the leap of moving his family north of Glen Ullin to become farmers. Mike became a jack of all trades: farming, carpentry, making tools, cutting keys, repairing lawn mowers, small and large engine repairs. No task was too big for Mike to handle. He instilled his work ethic in his children and Mike enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.
In 1978, Mike moved back to Glen Ullin where he and his wife became landlords to many teachers, families, and even their daughter DeeAnn. Mike missing farming helped his youngest son, Jeff, obtain a farmstead and they worked together farming and doing remodeling for others. Mike later assisted his son Jeff in hauling cattle for others. Mike loved to joke around with others, and he had the biggest smile which made his beautiful blue eyes shine even more. Mike was a member of the Glen Ullin Museum, where he spent many hours making repairs, organizing, cleaning, and was proud to be able to give tours to family and visitors.
Mike's presence will be missed by many, including his cat Mitzy. Mike is survived by his children: Jerome (Karen) Schirado, DeeAnn Schirado, and daughter-in-law Julie Schirado all of Glen Ullin, ND. Grandchildren: Kristen (Bob) Vander Vorst, Mindy Bauer, Melissa McElwain, Michael (Amanda) Schirado, Matt (Lauren) Schirado, Ethan (Jodi) Schirado, Katelyn (Tanner) Meidinger, Mikayla Schirado, and Jacob Schirado. Great grandchildren: Jennifer McElwain, Madison McElwain, Kaylee Bauer, Stella Schirado, Rain Schirado, Izzy Schirado, Brinley Schirado, Parker Vander Vorst, Lauryn Vander Vorst, Addilee Meidinger, Stetson Meidinger, and Caleb Schirado. Mike also recently learned that he would soon be a great great grandfather. Siblings: Lena Sorenson, Pearl Voegele, and Geneva Karlin.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Katie Schirado; wife, Gerry Schirado; sons, Larry Schirado and Jeff Schirado; daughter-in-law, Sharon Schirado; grandson, Arthur Schirado; siblings, Harry Schirado, Richard Schirado, Tony Schirado, Lester Schirado, Thomas (Clinney) Schirado, Katherine Hoerner, and Joan Walters.