Michael Kean Lerum, 77, of Sweetgrass MT, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, at his son’s home in Butte, MT after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on January 28, 1949, in Shelby, MT to Peter and Helene Lerum. Michael grew up on the family farm east of Sweetgrass. At 17, he graduated high school and attended the University of Montana. He was drafted during college, and after graduating, he spent 2 years from 1971-72 in the Army. Michael was stationed in Korea for 7 months in the artillery unit. Upon completion of his service, he returned home to the family farm to work and 9 months later met the love of his life, Sharon Dangerfield, in Coutts, Alberta. They were married on December 14, 1973, and spent their lives raising their three children in Sweetgrass as he continued farming until retiring.

Michael was well known for his smile that made his eyes twinkle and his laugh that brought joy to everyone around him. He had an amazing sense of humor, a gift for storytelling, and an endless wit about him. Throughout his life, he embraced his curious mind and intellect and continued to learn about anything and everything, sharing what he discovered with his friends and family. He loved a good crossword puzzle, challenging himself with Jeopardy questions, and rarely found a mechanical issue he couldn’t fix. Michael was generous and kind to everyone and always willing to lend a helping hand whether it was someone he knew or to a stranger in need. His caring spirit was evident in the way he graciously took care of his parents and Sharon during their later years. Michael enjoyed music (he often played records from his enormous collection on his stereo he purchased in Korea), going to concerts, movies, and classic cars. More than anything in life, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He never missed a summer taking his children to Glacier Park while they were growing up and kept the tradition going with his grandkids. Michael’s lasting impact will forever be felt by his loving family and friends.

Michael is survived by his son Justin Lerum and daughter Stephanie (Paul) Townsend; son-in-law Kirk Lubick; grandchildren Cindy Connors, Jon Lerum, and Evan, Elia, and Lillian Lubick. He is also survived by his beloved siblings Lance (Jan), Mark (Terri), Marilyn (Alan), and Shelley (Richard) along with numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon and daughter Shannon.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 on Thursday, November 19 at the Lutheran Church in Sunburst, Montana 108 1st Ave W, Sunburst, MT 59482. A public viewing will be held at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:00.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lutheran Church of Sunburst.