Who could forget his distinctive laugh, broad smile and twinkling blue eyes? Mike Dellwo: The name may bring to mind a host of memories. As a teacher and coach in Jefferson County for 26 years, he took hundreds of students on 8th grade history trips, 7th grade campouts and trips to Washington D.C. You may even have seen his lip-syncing skills with his wife Arlene, donning Sonny and Cher attire to sing, “I Got you Babe.”
Mike’s life on this earth began in Chouteau, Montana. Born in 1949, he had two spirited and entrepreneurial parents, and their home was filled with love, laughter and adventure. He, along with his siblings, roamed and owned the town. Think “The Sandlot,” but better. They were allowed to run free and make mistakes. This upbringing deeply rooted within him a love for his country and an appreciation for the price that our Founding Fathers made to allow for this kind of childhood.
As Mike grew up, so did his personality and thirst for adventure. He would be the first to say that during his teenage years, he made a lot of mistakes — mistakes that would later help him empathize and relate to his students in Basin, Clancy, Boulder and Helena.
Throughout these years, despite having moments of regret, Mike made two life changing decisions. He wed his beautiful wife Arlene, a marriage that would last 49 years; and he committed his life to Christ. These two decisions forever changed the trajectory of his future. He now knew he was a forgiven man, fully known, yet fully loved by his Lord Jesus.
These two anchors spurred his teaching career into high gear. His family, students, and everyone he came into contact with would know this truth that had set him free. His children can attest to his love and devotion to his savior, as every morning he could be found reading his Bible and drinking a tall glass of water.
His childhood, life experiences and his salvation melded together to form the Mike everyone knew and loved. A man who loved everyone fully and was intentional with every minute of his life. A man who loved God, loved his country and gave of himself tirelessly in the pursuit of serving his family and others.
So, to end this glimpse of the life of a most amazing man, Arlene would say to Mike, “I got you, Babe.”
