Michael Hedler

Michael Florian Hedler passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016, of causes related to age. He was 87.

Mikey was born in the house his grandfather built, on May 9, 1928, to John Michael and Fanny Hedler in Juliaetta. His daughter, Judy, now lives in that same house. He grew up in the area and graduated from Juliaetta High School in 1946. Mikey started Hedler Oil in Kendrick with his dad in 1949. He and Minnie Peters were married on Oct. 18, 1952, in Juliaetta, and the couple made their home there, raising two children together. He and his son, John, partnered in the family business in 1975. He was proud to have been a part of three generations of the family business. He later sold the business in 1987, but continued to work at the Kendrick plant until retiring in 1993.

Mikey was passionate about hunting and fishing, and pretty much anything in the great outdoors including his lawn and garden. He also loved his dogs. Always a farmer at heart, he enjoyed helping on his cousin's farms after retirement. Mikey could tell the most detailed stories and in later years, enjoyed connecting with his friends and family on Facebook. He was a loyal, dedicated generous man and selfless with his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mikey was a bit of a jokester and enjoyed negotiating anything he purchased. "Every price is negotiable," he was fond of saying.

Mikey was a member of Zion's Lutheran Church of Juliaetta, the Elks and the McGary Butte Night Riders.

Mikey is survived by his wife, Minnie, whom he cared for right up to his last moments; his children, Judy Hedler-Green and John (Connie) Hedler; grandchildren Mandy Collins, Lance (Rachael) Hedler and Mitchell (Christine) Hedler; and great-granddaughters Sadie, Raegan and Bailey Hedler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Mike and Fannie Hedler.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cameron Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 12633 Cameron Road, in Kendrick, with the Rev. Craig Groseclose officiating. A luncheon and graveside service will follow. The family asks that any donations be made to the Cameron Emmanuel Lutheran Church or to the J-K Ambulance fund.