Michael Charles Dandrea
Michael (Mike) Charles Dandrea, 83, died peacefully at his home in Billings on Monday, December 3, 2018, after a long fight with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mike was born in Spokane, Washington on November 25, 1935, to Michael and Lucie Dandrea.
Mike met Claudia Paulson at the ice skating rink while they were in high school after he dated her friend. He joined the army after high school and was stationed in Alaska. He asked Claudia to write to him. In 1955, while home on leave, he asked Claudia to marry him. The next time he was on leave, he decided they should get married right away so they were married three days later! When he got out of the service, they lived in Spokane and Kennewick and raised four kids. They moved to Montana in 1968 to help open a new Albertson’s store. Mike bowled until he injured his shoulder and then became a life-long golfer. He spent his work life in the produce industry; mostly as a produce manager for Albertson’s and the director of produce for SuperValu.
Mike is survived by Claudia, his wife of almost 63 years, and their children: Michael (Julie), Wayne (Pam), Brian (Julie), and daughter Julie. He also leaves eight grandkids and three great-grandkids, two sisters (Pauline and Cindy), three nieces and two nephews.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held in the spring when the family can come home. The family would like to thank Visiting Angels, Stillwater Hospice and the VA Clinic in Billings. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The First Tee (a leadership program for youth centered on the game of golf) or the Adult Resource Center. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
