Charles Omer Micklewright

Chuck (Charles Omer) Micklewright came to the end of his earthly life at 95 years of age on April 21, 2024. Now in eternity with his Savior he was active to the end, recording his last road bike ride just days before he entered the hospital with an infection and heart complications.

Chuck was born August 21, 1928, to Omer William and Kathleen Mary Susanna (Axton) Micklewright in St. Clair Shores, MI and attended Southlake High School where he lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball and was class president. He then participated in the same sports and held the same honors at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. While a student at Taylor he met his wife-to-be Lynn (Marilyn Copley) who passed away here in Helena April 19, 2001.

After college Chuck was a coach and athletic director at William Penn College in Iowa and then Assistant Director of the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, working with handicapped children. Following that he became Physical Director of the Bay City, Michigan YMCA, then Branch Director at the Northwest YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, then Metropolitan Executive Director of the Joliet, Illinois YMCA. Chuck and Lynn came to Helena in 1981 when Chuck accepted the position of General Director of the Helena YMCA. He loved Helena so much that he never left, enjoying the hunting, bicycling, Y Service Club, and the Helena Bicycle Club. He was also very active at First Presbyterian Church and Morningside Church. After retiring in 1986 Chuck also drove a local school bus for almost 20 years.

Chuck is survived by his four children, Craig Micklewright of Tallahassee, FL; Sandy (Dick) McNeil of Monroe, NC; Diane Fetzner of Helena; and Chuck (Jean) Micklewright Jr. of Louisville, KY), and 10 grandchildren, Aaron Wysocki, Amber Emmert, Kacie Mann, Caleb McNeil, April Walsh, Jana Tunell, Joy Tolar, Michelle Wiley, Matthew McNeil, and Ra Micklewright. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Sandy Micklewright, niece Sue Sivok, and nephew Brian Micklewright. Besides his wife Lynn of 50 years, he is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Art.

Always an athlete Chuck loved to be active, participating in many Big Sky games, the American Lung Association Trans-America Bicycle Trek at age 59, and many Century, Double Century, and Double Divide bike rides up until at least age 80.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, July 28th at 2:00 PM at the Helena Senior Center. Those attending are asked to please bring your favorite memory of Chuck.

The family appreciates the staff at Cooney Rehab and at Simple Cremation. In lieu of flowers the family requests you spend precious time with family, thanking and worshipping our Creator, and being active in the beautiful outdoors.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. 

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