Mike Nitschke was born in Miles City, MT on April 21, 1951. He was the second child and only son of John E. and Susan M. Nitschke.
Mike attended grade school and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City in 1969. He continued his education at the University of Montana in Missoula graduating college in 1973 with a degree in accounting.
He moved back to Miles City and earned his CPA license while working for Roland and Thomas Accounting. Mike was an active member of the community participating in the Miles City Jaycees, The Elks Run, Row and Ride events and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was a dedicated runner at this time in his life and ran in the New York City marathon as well as the Peach Tree marathon in Georgia.
During this time, Mike became intrigued by computers and became a self-taught programmer. He went to work for United Beverage in Miles City to use this newfound knowledge as well as accounting.
While searching for a fulfilling career, Mike moved to Billings, MT and worked for Sysco Food Distributors then to Helena, MT to work with the MT Dept. of Corrections.
In the summer of 2000, Mike had an offer to work at Anderson Merchandising, a startup company in Amarillo, TX as a system programmer. With that move, he had at last found contentment in the 9 to 5 world. Mike loved the job, and they loved him. He received high praise and numerous rewards for his work there. He scored so high on their employment exam they renamed it the “Montana Mike Test”.
While living in Amarillo, TX, he met Drena Perry. She was the love of his life, his “Honey Bunny” and they were married November 16, 2003. They continued living in Amarillo until June 2019 then moved to Tulsa, OK.
Mike loved all his nieces and nephews, listening to music, going to concerts, was a voracious reader, and an unapologetic political conservative. He was lived dearly by his sisters and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susan Nitschke.
Mike is survived by his wife, Drena, sisters Barbara Bender (James) of Lake Havasu City, AZ, their son Rob Bender of Montgomery, IL, Deborah Zignego (Robert), of Miles City, their sons Zachary Zignego (Beverly) of Miles City, MT, Jordan Zignego (Heather Bellamy) Zignego of Bozeman, MT, and Patricia Filler (David), of Tacoma, WA, their daughters Kenna and Haley of Tacoma, WA.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 10, 2021
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday July 10, 2021
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Doug Benge says
Barb, Deb, all family:
Mike was once part of the Rowland, Thomas staff. I very much enjoyed our professional association and overall friendship, and definitely appreciated his intellectual skills and dedication. He worked hard and earned his CPA certificate, and had a lot of determination for marathon running, including the NY marathon. Good guy!
Cori Brubaker says
I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. Nice that you’re all getting together now to say good-bye.
Frank Tooke says
Mike was a great guy, fine CPA and had a keen mind. Plus, he was an avid Griz fan. He will be missed.
Ric and Sandy Rabe says
We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless you all with comfort in wonderful memories.
Beth Ann & Doug Wiedeman says
Sorry for the loss, our prayers for you during this difficult time.
John L. Moore says
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My condolences to all.
Peanuts Money says
Mike was a very kind guy-Full of life and knowledge! RIP Mike!
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Was somewhat shocked to see and hear of Mike’s passing. Make you all find comfort from one another, remembering the good times. My sincere sympathy.
al says
goodbye Mike
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Sorry for the loss of your brother. May he rest in peace. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael Mangen says
He will be missed, I grew up with him and his sisters living only one street away. I was fortunate to work with Mike delivering papers as well as working with his Mom at Safeway and Dad at the Post Office. Loved his Facebook posts. Family, our deepest condolences, he was a good guy.
Mike and Dorrie Mangen
Joan Bunke says
Patty Metzenberg and family,
Please accept my condolences. Mike was always a joy to visit with. He could certainly tickle the mind with his thoughts and opinions.
Respectfully,
Joan Schmidt Eddy Bunke
Barb Seibert says
Deb, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your Brother. My deepest condolences to you and all your family.