Michael Mosolf

Michael (Mike) Mosolf 1938-2026
Michael “Mike” Mosolf, age 88, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Barrett
Memorial Hospital in Dillon, Montana. He was born in Tacoma, Washington, on May
14, 1938, to George and Bess Mosolf, both deceased.
Mike was the eldest of five children: Pat Stevens (deceased), Susie Sory, Tim Mosolf
(deceased), and Terry Mosolf.
From an early age, Mike excelled in athletics and was a natural competitor. After
serving in the U.S. Army, he earned a football scholarship to the University of Idaho
and later played professional football in Canada and Connecticut. When his playing
days ended, he earned his teaching credential and began a new chapter as a teacher
and coach. His career took him to Puerto Rico, as well as Chowchilla, Fresno, and
Corcoran, California, and later to Twin Bridges and Heart Butte, Montana.
“I’ve had a great life,” He’d say. He found joy in pursuit of his passions and inspired
all ages through his teachings, coaching and life style and treasured the friendships he
made along the way.
A devoted outdoorsman, Mike often said, “I’d rather be outside than inside.” He was
an activist, athlete, environmentalist, and conservationist. He loved handball, hiking,
backpacking, hunting, walking his dog, and—above all—fly fishing.
Mike met Diane Fratis while they were both teaching in Fresno, California. They
married in 1968 and moved to Corcoran, where they continued teaching and Mike
coached. Their partnership lasted 57 years.
In July 1976, Mike and Diane left their jobs in Corcoran and moved to Dillon, Montana.
There they purchased five old log cabins—complete with a backyard of outhouses—
and the house next door. They spent years remodeling and eventually created
successful rental properties that brought new friends and a good life.
Fly fishing was what first drew Mike to Dillon, and outfitting soon became his next
calling. His interest in politics awakened his artistic side, leading him to create large
political posters for public display that sparked conversation throughout the
community. He was also a clever cartoonist, and writing letters to the editor became
another calling.
At Christmas time we looked forward to Mike’s Hook and Bullet News. The cards were
original and distinctly created . They became something of a tradition, eagerly
anticipated by family and friends, who looked forward to receiving them and often
saved and collected them like treasured works of art.
Mike is survived by his wife, Diane; his beloved dog, Ceecee; his sister, Susie Sory; his
brother, Terry Mosolf; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Mike’s caregivers at Beehive Homes and Barrett
Memorial Hospital for their kindness and compassionate care.
Cremation has taken place. A private ceremony will be held at a later date