Mike Wolbaum

Mike Wolbaum, 89, Steele, passed away peacefully February 17, 2017, at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Steele ND with Reverend Jerome Hunkler officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday February 21 at St. Francis de Sales Church from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with prayer service at 7:00 pm. Mike was born on March 31, 1927, to Harry and Josephine Wolbaum. Mike married Eleanore Wetsch at St. Anthony, ND, on November 16, 1954. They farmed south of Moffit, ND, until 1959 when they moved to a farm north of Dawson where they raised their nine children. Mike and Eleanore were proud of the fact that they were able to provide a college education for all of their children. The couple moved to Steele in 1992. Mike enjoyed fishing, playing cards, puttering around the garage, well work, the Minnesota Twins, and going to Dawson for coffee. He was known for his ability to put a smile on everyone’s face and he loved to tease his grandchildren. Mike is survived by his loving wife Eleanore of 62 years and nine children and grandchildren, John (Linda) Wolbaum of Fargo and their children Ben and Matthew; Tom (Dorleen) Wolbaum of Bismarck and their children Derrick (Kerry) and their daughter Samara, Terrance (Alicia) and Kayla and her son Koby; Susan (Tom) Tooley of Bismarck; Larry (Angela) Wolbaum of Poulsbo, WA, and their children Lauren and Michael; Donna (Jim) McPherson of Fargo and their children Sam and Katie; Carol (Ken) Roth of Apple Valley, MN, and their children Corey (Kaitlin) and Kevin; Rick (Jill) Wolbaum of Richfield, MN, and their children Ashley Moore and her children Tritian, Addison and Abigail and Megan Swenning and her son Grant; Jeannie (Phil) Dingman of Shoreview, MN, and their children Erin and Jake; and Brian Wolbaum (Greg Brunton). Mike is also survived by his brothers, Harry (Lena) Wolbaum, Gus (MaryAnn) Wolbaum, and George Wolbaum; sister, Josie (Milton) Keller; and his sisters-in-law, Margie Wolbaum and Jenny Wetsch. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Wolbaum, Jake Wolbaum, and Franklin Wolbaum; brothers-in-law, John Wetsch and Lawrence Wetsch; sister-in-law, Rosemary Wetsch; and great-granddaughter, Kendi Wolbaum. A special thank you to TCU staff at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center and the Golden Manor staff in Steele for the wonderful care they had provided Mike.