Michael D. Ferguson Obituary

Name: Viewing
Start: 2023-10-13T17:00:00
End: 2023-10-13T17:00:00
Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church

Michael D. Ferguson, age 91 of Townsend March 26, 1932 – October 3, 2023 Obituary for Mike Ferguson, Mike D. Ferguson Family, ______________________________ Michael D. Ferguson, 91, of Townsend, MT passed away peacefully at his home on October 3, 2023. Born on March 26, 1932, in Malta, MT, Michael was the son of Michael A. and Marguerite (Sloan) Ferguson. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Maureen Newman and Patricia Parker.

Mike will be missed by his surviving family members, including his brother Gary Ferguson and his children from a previous marriage: Michael Ferguson, RaeAnn Ferguson, Kevin Ferguson, and Karla Ferguson of Billings, and Kellie Bush resides in Idaho and Keri Clearwater resides in Germany. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Mike proudly served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He owned an airplane mechanics business in Billings for 14 years. He then went to Helena to become Director of Montana Aeronautics. Mike was a strong advocate of aviation education and flew over 1100 Young Eagles. Mike was Director of Montana Aeronautics for 27 years and retired in 2001.

Mike and Jeanette Bystrom (Jeanie) were married 17 years and moved to Townsend in 2001 and built their dream a hangar home at Townsend Airport, where he continued his lifelong passion for aviation.

Mike and Jeanie may not have flown completely around the world, but they made many trips to Central and South America, as well as most of the 50 States.

Mike received an award for his world record flight from Hawaii to Oshkosh. He also received two FAA awards for Fifty Years of Dedicated Service, one for Master Pilot and one for Master Mechanic, with no violations. He was also a strong Christian. Now Mike is flying through the Heavens. Psalms 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did upon the wings of the wind. God Bless! Visitation and viewing will begin at 11:00 am Friday, October 13, 2023 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend, with a Funeral Mass at noon at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Townsend. Memorials in Michael's name are suggested to any charity or organization of the donor's choice.

Service Schedule Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Homes

Updated by : Kellie Bush

Report this obituary

Edit this obituary Report this obituary

Add a photo or a video

There is no photo or video of Michael D. Ferguson.
Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute.

Add a photo

October 8, 2023

Weast Colleen wrote a sympathy message

“Thinking of all you cousins. I have many memories of “Uncle Darrell” Blessings Colleen”

October 7, 2023

John Eagerton wrote a sympathy message

“I was profoundly saddened to hear that Mike had passed away. He was one of the first to welcome me into the National Association of State Aviation Officials in 1994 and was someone I quickly came to highly respect for his collegiality and leadership in our field of aviation. May his family find solace in knowing that Mike was an inspiration and is remembered by many of the state aviation directors from across the country. John C. Eagerton IV, D.P.A. Montgomery, Alabama”