Cover photo for Mike Kao's Obituary
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Mike Kao

August 24, 1954 — May 2, 2013

Mike Kao, 58, passed away on May 2, just days after learning he had been living with lung and liver cancer. While his presence will be missed by many, his family is thankful he did not have an extended period of suffering.

Mike was born on Aug. 24, 1954, in Kalispell. As a kid, his family remembers him being the constant joker who was happiest when fishing, especially with his grandpa Fritz. Another favorite pursuit throughout his life was working on engines and spending time in a garage. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1972, and went on to work for Plum Creek for the next 28 years, after which he worked at Western Building Center in Whitefish.

He married Steph Jensen in 1975, and they had two children, Jennifer and David. After a marriage to Lorri, who shared his love of car races, he met and married LaRee in 1999. In LaRee, Mike found a companion who shared his love of camping and being by a campfire; they felt happiest relaxing together at home. His family will miss his phone calls that usually began with, "So what are you making for dinner?" Mike is known to most as a very quiet and gentle spirit who took great pride in doing all he could to help others, but never lost his desire to poke fun at those he loved. It bothered him deeply if he felt he was hurting or letting anyone down. Mike was a family man. He was there as both his granddaughters Victoria and Isabelle were born, and was always there to celebrate holidays or cheer them on from the bleachers during sports.

"In heaven he is joining his son David, and grandparents Ruth and Fritz Sunde."

He is survived by his wife, LaRee; daughter, Jennifer Watson; stepdaughter, LaChelle Freeland; granddaughters, Victoria and Isabelle; parents, Connie and Glen Kao; sisters, Mitzi Yerkes, Val Kao and Marcie Christensen; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service and bonfire will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at 1575 E. Edgewood Drive in Whitefish.


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