Michael David Lincoln came into this world on February 13, 1958 in Willison, ND ready to explore everything it had to offer. Mike had a spirit of adventure. As a child he loved to take things apart and figure out what made them work. It was a little later in life that he also learned it was just as much fun to put it back together, and he was very good at it.
At the age of two, Mike was joined by his best friend and brother Mark. The two enjoyed many exploits together. They loved to fish and hunt and camp. The only rule Mike had was not to make a mess in his boat.
Upon graduating high school in 1976, Mike joined the U.S. Army. Here those years of taking things apart and putting them back together paid off. Mike was recognized for his attention to detail, indefatigable efforts and technical expertise. He was stationed in Frankfurt, West Germany for two years, six months and six days. While there he learned to speak a little German and an appreciation of warm German beer. Mark visited his brother in Germany and the two continued their adventures across Germany, Switzerland, and France.
Upon returning to the States, Mike did some carpentry, construction, and truck driving work before deciding to go to the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. There he earned his degree in Electrical Technology. Mike worked as an electrician in North Dakota until 1988 when he started his career as an electrician for Montana Power in Colstrip, MT. Mike continued working through the many changes that took place at the power plants until his retirement in 2020.
Mike never lost his love of the outdoors. He was a self-taught fly fisherman. He also picked up a love of bridge, cooking and gardening along the way.
Mike had a heart as big as he was tall. He was captivated by the simple joy of holding his niece Cortney, and loved to assist his niece Rachel in “walking” on the ceiling of grandma’s home. Our son, brother, uncle, co-conspirator and friend left this world too early on the morning of August 9. He leaves a big hole in our hearts where the sound of his laughter should be.
Mike was predeceased by his grandparents, Lillian and Leslie Lincoln, Frank and Minera Faust, Uncle Richard Lincoln, and his father Cecil Lincoln. Mike is survived by his mother, Sharon Lincoln; brother Mark (Heather); sister Teri Lincoln (Johnny); nieces Rachel and Cortney McSherry; and stepchildren Eli, Robbie and Paige.
In Memory Of
Reader Interactions
Memories
Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.
Carol Bailey says
Sharon, my heart breaks for you. I can’t believe we both have lost our firstborns within weeks of each other. Life is unfair at times.
Mike Blakesley says
Sharon, Mark, Teri –
This is such sad news. I have a lot of fond memories of good times with Mike – we used to ride our bikes over to the hills next to Forsyth and spend the whole day climbing around up there. We published a newspaper on a little printing press that I got for Christmas once (I think we did 2 issues before we decided it was too much work) and we used to have endless Monopoly games, where if one of us started to go broke, the other would loan him money so we could keep the game going. We would fiddle around at my grandpa’s house, playing “farm” on his steam engine or riding around on his garden tractor. We once got into an argument about how old our moms were — my mom was some years older than his and I couldn’t figure out how that could be, considering Mike and I were about the same age. I kind of lost track of him after we grew up, but he would occasionally go to a movie at the Roxy or stop by the store and we always had a nice little visit. He was a good buddy.
Beverly and Jack Nile says
Sharon and family of Mike, sending our sincere sympathy at this time. Prayers to you all.
Lane L. Larson says
Going to miss Mike and his dry humor and stories. He was just one of those great people that was around in school and all our working years. An IBEW brother forever. RIP
Amber Nielson says
I am so sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed my visits with Mike. My thoughts & prayers to Mike’s family and friends.
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Sharon, Mark and Teri, so very sorry to hear this. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May cherished memories fill your hearts and carry you through the days ahead. Love Kay
Leslie Lincoln says
It was a wonderful time seeing and being with Mike… he was really a true man… I’m so happy I got to see him… stay happy and keep laughing dear Mike🙏😇
Lane L Larson says
Sharon, Terry and Mark, we all lost a fun guy with a very dry sense of humor. Mike was a good friend from grade school on. Will miss my IBEW brother and friend.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Sharon and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
Brent Heberle says
I graduated with Mike in 1976 from Forsyth High school. Mike was a great guy and a better friend. He will be missed by all. Brent and Bobbee
Marilyn Watson Dorn says
I am so sorry to see that Mike passed away. He was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him at the plants and enjoyed visiting with him any time. Rest in peace, Mike.
Debby Beartusk says
Sharon and Family – May your memories comfort you at this time.
Karie Weamer Linstead says
Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven’t seen Mike in years but always remember him as being very nice yet shy. Condolences for your loss!
🙏💔🙏
Karie Weamer Linstead
Bob Lee says
Sharon, Mark, Teri, and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mike and I started out in the Ding Dong kindergarten together. I remember playing with Mike and Curt Gambil when you lived in the trailer house behind Arts tire. After you moved to 14th street we would walk home from school together. After I moved back to Forsyth I would see Mike occasionally and always have a good visit. Mike was really a good guy and he will be miss. RIP
Bob Lee
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Sharon, Mark and Teri – I am so sorry to hear this. You all are in many thoughts and prayers. Let cherished memories fill your heart and carry you thru your grief.
Love K
johnny berger says
Big Mike, Big Smile, Big Heart. I had the privilege of enjoying some good conversations with Mike at family holiday dinners. I have a lot of respect for the man for taking on a ready made family under his wing. Living life is not with out difficulties and struggles Mike had his share like a lot of us, he did his best. Hats off to my Brother in law Big Mike.
Pam Shelton says
Sharon and family
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Nancy Purkett says
I am so very sorry to hear this?
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Mike lived across the street from my folks for many many years. Man they loved Mike. They always said he was a great friend and never. Buggs and I just heard of his passing. He was such a great guy. I loved visiting with him at the office for all the years and visiting in the middle of the street for so many years while the folks were still alive. May you rest in peace Mike and I pray that you and Sam are up there having the time of your life.
Sharon Nilethurston says
Sharon, Mark and Teri
We are so sorry for your loss. We know exactly what you are going through. Dan lost his brother 8/4/22. Mike and Steve are in a better place. My prayers are with you.
Sharon Nile-Thurston & Family 💐❤️
Roy & Arlene Pabolo & family says
Sharon and family, just saw this on here. We are sorry to hear about Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Steve Faust says
I have so many fun memories of the shenanigans we would get up to when my family visited our grandparents in Forsyth, and later when I spent a summer living with Minerva and Frank while working in Colstrip. Mike was a positive and upbeat guy with a big heart and a wondrous curiosity. I am so sorry for your loss!
Tim Clark says
Sharon and Family, I just found out about Mike and my condolences to you and family. Being neighbors and growing up close by I always remember Mike as being kind and patient. Again, so sorry for your loss and condolences.