Michel Leary

Michel Leary, age 76, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully at St. Alexius Hospital on March 30, 2025.

A funeral service will be held on Friday April 4, 2025 at 10:30am at the Bismarck Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck with military rites provided by the Bismarck Amvets. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service for visitation. There will be a gathering to celebrate his life following the burial at The Hub, 321 South 1st St. Bismarck.

Mike was born on October 17, 1948, in Bismarck, ND to Eugene "Bus" and Bertha Leary. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1966. He later served in the US Army until his honorable discharge in 1974. Throughout his life he found great fulfillment in his work within the restaurant business, automotive industry, and his family.

Mike had a great passion for music and cars which came second only to his affection for the women in his life. He had an insatiable prankster spirit and dry wit that would fool even the most skeptical. Above all, he will be remembered for his generous nature, loyalty, and heart of gold.

Michel will be deeply missed by his children, Jennifer (Donald) Hamel, Jacalyn Crooks, Jennifer Leary, Jessica (Daniel) McKissick, Caun Fossum, Ryan (Marei) Fischer, Kelly (Scott) Tice, Katie Leary; grandchildren, Zachary, Brandon, Emily, Allison, Jacob, Brody, Charlie, Dylan; 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Patty (Gene) Schmaltz, Jacque Gillette, Bill (Linda) Leary, Kenny Leary; as well as numerous other family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his sister, Kathy Leary and his brothers-in-law, Al Gillette and Frank Schmaltz.

Memorials can be contributed to The Dementia Society of America.