Michael Dale Moldenhauer passed away February 15, 2024, in the loving care of hospice personnel at Knife River Care Center, Beulah, ND.

Mike was a beloved brother, son, father, grandfather and friend who touched the lives of many with his sense of humor, kindness, generosity, music, and devotion to family. He had a unique ability to curate friends easily and make everyone feel special and valued. His generosity and warmth will be remembered by all who knew him.

Michael was born in Rugby, ND to Dale and Sandra Moldenhauer, where he attended elementary, junior high, and high school. Mike was active in sports throughout his growing up, with wrestling being his favorite and at which he excelled. He was also an avid water skier at Lake Metigoshe where his family held a cabin for many years. Some of Mike's favorite times in life were spent at the lake. Michael was employed by his father Dale the entirety of his adult life, having worked in the home remodeling business as a vinyl siding applicator, specializing equally in windows and rain gutter installation.

At around age 15 Michael somehow managed to order himself an electric guitar with his mother's J.C.Penny catalog account, and to work off the 40 bucks he owed his mom, he taught himself guitar, eventually starting and performing in several bands later in life. Mike could hear a song and within a week play it on his guitar. He played and entertained at several venues in Williston, and eastern Montana.

Mike is a father to his daughter Haylee, whom he loved, protected and fought for. Along with his parents, he raised his daughter and granddaughter Athena to the best of his ability. Despite turbulence with divorce and dysfunction, he did his best to be a dad, son, grandfather, and brother until his own health failed him.

In July 2022, Michael went to live in Beulah, ND at a memory care facility. Dementia stripped a good portion of his memory, but not his long-term memories. They were as long as the day. Mike could recall the streets he lived on, his cars he drove, pets, the home at Lake Metigoshe, family friends, even favorite lyrics to his favorite songs...yet couldn't recall what he had for lunch. Equally, the dementia affected his personality in such a way that he was the sweetest, kindest, and most sincere soul who was grateful and thankful for each day.

It was while in KRCC that Michael also was diagnosed with cancer. His body was riddled with what was long a suspicion and fear of his. At the time of his passing, he had a large tumor pressing into his stomach and his lungs. For a year and a half at Knife River Care Center, Michael was under the care and guidance of Guardian Angels, Inc. in Jamestown. The organization was a literal god-send for Mike and his mother and sister. He was living his best life there and he became a favorite resident. Staff fell in love with Michael, his sweetness, and his never once complaining about his plight or pain. The last 6 months of Mike's life deteriorated as was expected, and as he modeled the markers of death, the night before his passing, he spoke with his sister, and as she read Psalm 23 to him and spoke Jesus into his ear and heart, he was heard saying " I wanna go see dad and be with Jesus". Michael passed away at 11:15pm February 15, 2024. He's no doubt hanging with his best friend and dad, Dale, watching John Wayne reruns and Gunsmoke.

Mike is survived by his mother, Sandra E. Moldenhauer of Williston, ND; sister, Melissa Liebenthal of Boise, ID; daughter, Haylee Moldenhauer; granddaughter, Athena Foreman.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dale Moldenhauer.

Rest in sweet peace, Mikey. You are dearly missed, loved, and forever remembered.