Michael Louis "Louie" Durglo Sr.

On September 12, 2015, Michael Louis Durglo Sr began his journey back to the loving arms of his wife Barb and those family members that have passed before him. He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes.

Mike, also known as "Pa"," Xepe", or" Louie" to his family and friends, was born September 9, 1935 to Conrad and Adele Chalwain Durgeloh "Across the River" on the family ranch northwest of Dixon. Mike's family later moved to the Mollman and Eagle Pass areas where he spent countless hours in the mountains with his brothers and local families.

Mike was educated in Ronan Schools and was proud of his orange and black. So much so that he teased his children and grand children anytime they competed against the Chiefs or any other team in orange and black. Underneath, Mike was a proud supporter of his family and all of their athletic and academic successes. Before completion of high school, Mike felt it was his patriotic duty to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. Shortly after enlistment, Mike was called into active duty during the Korean campaign. He was later honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant. He continued this service to Tribe, State and Country as a proud member of the Mission Valley Honor Guard and American Legion Post 106. Semper Fi

Shortly after discharge, Mike met and married Lillian Alexie. Of this union, daughter Mary was born.
Granddaughter Brea Franco, of Spokane, remained close to her Grandfather throughout his life.

In 1959, Mike met and married Barbara J. Courville. The two made their first home in the Mollman Pass area and later moved near Mike's parent's on Eagle Pass Trail. Barb and Mike moved to St. Ignatius to raise their six children.

As a dedicated and tireless employee, Mike put in many years of service for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Ronan as a skilled surveyor. Upon his retirement from the Bureau, Mike went to work for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes working closely with the Salish –Pend Oreille Culture Committee while completing work to preserve the Salish culture and tradition. At the time of his most recent setback, Mike was still working ten hour days for the Cultural Preservation Department. He cherished his time working in preservation and the dear friends that he made throughout his work.

Mike is survived by children Mike Jr. (Terri), Joe (Alana), Jim (Angie), Donna, Dan (Natasha), and Caroline. He is also survived my many grand children great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, cherished nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents Conrad and Adele, daugter Mary McCoy, daughter Linda Christine, grandson Kyle Joseph Trahan, brothers William "Bill" and Francis Durgeloh.

Services for Mike will begin at The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson, Montana on Monday, September 14, 2015 with visitation from 5-7 P.M. His services will continue at the St. Ignatius Long House with Rosary recital at 8 P.M. on Tuesday, September 15. Closing ceremonies will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the Long House followed by Mass at the St. Ignatius Mission on Wednesday, September 16. Burial will take place at the Ronan Cemetery in Ronan.

The family invites everyone to join them in a meal and remembrance back at the Long House in St. Ignatius following burial.

Read Michael "Louie" Durglo Sr.'s Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.