Michael Edward Gust

Michael E. Gust, 69, of Hardin, Montana, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, surrounded by the loved ones that defined his life.

Mike was born on July 11, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Herb and Rita Gust. At a young age, he moved with his parents and siblings to Ashland, Montana, where he grew up, learning the skills that would shape his life, rooted in hard work, family, and community. Mike attended St. Labre Parish Schools and graduated from high school in 1973. During his high school years, he was an avid athlete, lettering in wrestling, track, cross country, and football. It was during this time that he met his best friend Debbie LaForge. Their story, spanning 51 beautiful years of marriage, was one of unwavering devotion, laughter, and an unbreakable bond that only grew stronger with time. Debbie was not only his beloved wife but the love of his life. Every moment they shared was a testament to the rare and extraordinary connection they cherished. Together, they raised their family in Crow Agency, Montana, creating a loving home filled with cherished memories. Mike took great pride in building up and caring for his home and property, ensuring that everything was well-maintained. 

Mike embraced his family’s traditional ways, he was supportive in every aspect of their cultural practices and was always present at these events. Mike also had a great devotion to his faith in the Catholic Church, which he held close throughout his life.

For 41 years, Mike dedicated his career to the Westmoreland Apsaalooke Mine, where he was known for his strong work ethic, resilience, and unwavering commitment. He was a Dragline Operator, Shift Supervisor and through hard work and determination, rose to the position of Superintendent. Mike was a dedicated member and later a representative of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 400. Throughout his career, he worked to support and advocate for his fellow workers. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on his colleagues and the mining community. His hands told the story of a man who never shied away from hard work, and his heart reflected the love and loyalty he had for his family and friends. After a dedicated career in mining, Mike retired in Hardin, Montana, where he spent his later years surrounded by the love and support of his family. 

Mike found great joy in attending his grandchildren’s events and remaining an active presence in their lives, continuing to share in their accomplishments and milestones. Mike was a devoted husband, father, uncle and grandfather whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, and stability to those around him. Mike’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa," were the joy of his life. He enjoyed attending their events, graduations, cheering them on at basketball, soccer and football games, rodeos and watching with pride as they danced at pow-wows or ran a cross-country course. Mike’s presence was steady and strong, offering support, guidance, and unconditional love to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in his humble way.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandson Jax William Gust, his parents Herb and Rita Gust, an uncle Rev. Emmett G. Hoffman and aunts Dorothy Karlen, Marilyn Mondroski and Sister Phyllis M. Hoffmann along with our extremely large beloved Gust aunts and uncles.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his sisters, Phyllis (Curtis) Bearchum and Anita Gust; his children, Jarvis, Kateri, Joshua (Taleah) Gust, and Gabrielle Plenty Hawk. Grandchildren, Michael(Chasity) Trombley, Kody (Cortney) and Colt Gust, Kayleigh (Ian) White, Mikayla (Steffan) Walks Over Ice, Justin and Kaci Three Irons, Mia (Waylen) and Kason Gust, Hudson Small, and Jonathon Hill; and great-grandchildren, River Trombley, Caelyn, Cayton, Kesdyn White, and Skilynn and Azayla Walks Over Ice. Nieces, Naomi (Tod) Puckett, Natalie (Braine) Gaines, Windy and Heather Kempf. Nephews Kurt (Jeannie) Bearchum, Zac and Russell Kempf. Adopted children Kim Just-Johnson, Sheldon (Angel) King and Annette (Tiger) Yarlott Scalpcane along with other cherished family members and friends.  

The family would like to thank Courtney E.Dean D.N.P., Mason Bowman PharmD. and the medical staff of Intermountain Heights Health Care. An appreciation to Deana Wilson of Hardin-First Interstate Bank for her financial support and service. Mike’s family also extends a gratitude for all the prayers, phone calls, flowers, food and your presence during this time. Special appreciation to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren for their faithful love and humble care during his final days.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Bullis Mortuary. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Dennis Catholic Church in Crow Agency, MT. Interment will follow at the Hardin Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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