Mike Kobilansky

Michael Kobilansky, 86, Glen Ullin, ND, died October 1, 2011, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Mike was born in Glen Ullin, ND on February 10, 1925. He was the eldest son of Paul and Margaret Wetzstein Kobilansky and had six brothers and sisters. Mikeï¿½s early years were spent on the family farm, working closely with his Dad and Mom to support his family and learn his love for farming, which he ultimately chose as his lifeï¿½s work. Before he settled into his farming life, Mike traveled and spent time in family businesses in Detroit and Idaho where he got a taste of life outside North Dakota. He served two years in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. He came back to North Dakota after his service and married his love, Alice Helfrich on November 10, 1952. He spent the next forty years on the family farm, raising their children, Bonnie, Allan, Terry, Joyce and Kelly. He also was employed by the USDA for 22 years until his retirement in 1992. After retirement, his love of fishing and rock-cutting became his full-time pursuit. Mike earned the trust and respect of everyone around him. He was a man who truly believed and acted in the spirit of ï¿½do unto others, as you would have them do unto youï¿½. He helped so many people over his life and was a friend to all. Mike didnï¿½t know a stranger ï¿½ everyone became his friend. Mikeï¿½s love of family was apparent in everything he did. His loving presence and quick wit made family gatherings such a special time. He loved to share his life stories ï¿½ if folks heard one story, theyï¿½ve heard twenty! He had a mischievous smile which lit up a room and made everyone wonder what he was up to. In later years, when Mikeï¿½s hearing was limited, he would sit and watch his family together, laughing and sharing stories and knew that he had done very well with his life. Mike was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Mike is survived by his wife, Alice Helfrich, Glen Ullin; daughter Bonnie, husband Phil Becker, Dallas, TX and grandchildren Emily and Allison Becker; son Allan, wife Faye, Wilmar, MN and step-grandchild, Melanie Anderson; son Terry, wife Vicki, Fargo, ND and step-grandchildren, Robbie Matthiensen and Leslie Hermanson, and great-grandchildren Hayden, Hunter and Parker; daughter Joyce, husband David Ray, Plano, TX; and son Kelly, Christchurch, NZ. He is also survived by his sister Mary Messer, Seattle WA and brother Henry, wife Bonnie, Glen Ullin. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret, his sisters, Pauline, Gertie, and Theresa and his brother, Paul.

Mike Kobilansky

February 10, 1925 - October 1, 2011