Michael Fretheim, 74, of Ross, ND, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Tioga Medical Center in Tioga, ND.

Michael Leroy Fretheim “Mike”, was born on August 1, 1950 to Willard and Louisa Fretheim. Mike was born at the home of Mrs. Monson, a midwife in Stanley, North Dakota. He was the seventh of eight Fretheim children. Mike attended Pearl Valley Country School until the fourth grade. We have been told on many occasions Mike had to walk uphill 10 miles both to school and home apparently, he took a different way home. He moved on to the Stanley School until his sophomore year.

He began his career at the age of 15 as a door to door vacuum cleaner salesman for six months out in Spokane, Washington. He entered the oilfield at the age of 17. He worked for many different oil companies and held many different positions. If you were to sit down with some old rough necks, they would most likely have a story or two to tell about him. He retired from Duco, Inc. in 2011 at the age of 61.

In his early years, Mike at the young age of 13, met the love of his life, Verna Marmon. They were married on August 24, 1968. Together they created four children, Pam, Brian, Brandon, and Byron. They made their home where ever the oil field transferred them, from Western North Dakota to Eastern Montana, and even Rock Springs, Wyoming. They eventually divorced in 1992. Moving to Vernal, Utah from Rock Springs, Wyoming Mike met Linda Mae Staley. They were married November of 1992. Their marriage lasted for 32 years until Linda passed away in 2022. He was blessed with a step-son, James, from this marriage. Mike and Verna remained friends and co-parented throughout their years apart, and rekindled their relationship after Mike moved back to North Dakota. They enjoyed building their new life together at White Earth Bay until his last day.

When Mike was not working you could find him hunting or fishing with a beer in one hand and a smoke in the other. Mike had some of the most cherished moments in his life while hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He became the camp chef where he mastered dutch oven cooking. He always had a funny story or memory to share while visiting with friends and family. Later in life, he found the joy of gardening and wine making.

Mike loved his family intensely. Becoming a grandfather and great grandfather were highlights of his life. He would talk for hours about dinosaurs with them. He taught them to be the best rock pickers at White Earth Bay. He also loved to talk them out of their Halloween candy. Mike never forgot a birthday or holiday when it came to his family.

It cannot be said that Mike Fretheim didn’t live a very full life. He wasn’t always easy to get along with, but you had to respect the fact that he said it the way it was. He was the hardest working S.O.B. that you’d ever know. Mike will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, Verna; his children, Pam (Mike), Brian (Sondra) both of Williston, ND, Brandon (Heather) of Stanley, ND, and Byron of Williston, ND; step-son, James Garcia of Vernal, Ut; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; 2 great great grandchildren and 1 on the way; brother, Curt (Daphne) of Vernal, UT; sister in law, Bev of Ross, ND; numerous nieces and nephews; and some cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Louisa; siblings, Virgil, Allen, Duane, Louise, Lois, and Marlys; wife, Linda; granddaughter, Olivia Fretheim; grandson, Clay Kyllonen; and beloved nieces and nephews.