Michael Aaron Bwol

Michael Aaron Bwol, 70, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024, at the Brendan House after a very brief battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side.

Michael was born on Nov. 19, 1953, in Marshalltown, Iowa, and was raised on the family farm just southwest of Reinbeck, Iowa. He graduated in 1972 from Reinbeck High School, where he was a standout heavyweight wrestler, showcasing his remarkable strength.

 After high school, Michael worked for Peterson Contractors in the construction industry in Iowa. He was married to Cinda Schulta from 1974 to 1976. In 1979, Michael embarked on a new adventure, moving to Idaho with three buddies to work construction for Edward A. Honeycut in Jerome, Idaho. He later moved to Whitefish to begin working on the North Course of Whitefish Golf Course.

During this time, he met and married Colleen K. Jones of Columbia Falls. They were married from 1980 to 2006. Michael helped raise Colleen’s two young daughters and loved them as his own.

In 1983, Michael began working for Foster Construction out of Whitefish. He remained with the Fosters until the business closed in 2010. He then worked for LHC for nearly 10 years, officially retiring in 2021.

After 2006, Michael embraced bachelorhood and did whatever the hell he wanted to do! Michael loved running big machinery and took great pride in his work. Friends often joked that Michael could scrape the dust off a pair of sunglasses with his excavator. Known for his unmatched work ethic, no one could ever beat him at arm wrestling. His garage was his sanctuary, filled with projects ranging from reloading ammunition and fixing machinery to restoring cars and motorcycles. His Harley Davidson motorcycle often took center stage in his living room.

Michael had a passion for music, Sci-Fi shows, Halloween, and, of course, naked women. He was immensely proud to be a recovering alcoholic, having achieved 13 years of sobriety, a testament to his strength and determination. Above all, he cherished his five grandsons and was honored to be their “PaPa.”

Michael also had a deep love for his pets. He was preceded in death by his dogs Shylo, MoJo, Woody, and Curtis, his geese Cheech and Chong, and his cat Beatrice. At the time of his passing, he was survived by his loyal dog, Boo.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Frank A. Bwol (March 25, 1915 - May 3, 1973) and Rae Jean Catlin Bwol (August 23, 1922 - 1995). He is survived by his sister Carol (Mike) Harsha of Sherwood, Arizona; daughters Rachell (Douglas) Wilde of Lethbridge, Alberta, and Danielle (Brian) Penny of Missoula; grandsons Hayden D. Wilde (Brynley), Michael R. Wilde (Maycee), T. Scott Wilde (Reagan), Elijah T. Penny, and Bridger D. Penny; and great-grandson Wells D. Wilde.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to “Easy Rider” publications. A private ceremony will be held in July, where family and friends will scatter Michael’s ashes in a place he loved.