Michael J. Guza

Michael J. Guza, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, at the age of 79. Born in Great Falls, Montana, on September 4, 1945, Mike spent his life surrounded by the love of family, friends, and the rugged beauty of his home state. His legacy is one of love, dedication, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures—casting a line in a quiet stream, building keepsakes for his family, and cherishing time with those he loved.

Mike wasn’t just a man who lived—he loved deeply and worked hard. He made everyone he encountered feel valued. As the owner of Rainbow Painting, he poured his heart into every project, leaving behind not just beautiful spaces but lasting memories for those he worked with. Mike found peace in simple pleasures: days on the lake fishing, tinkering in his shop, or spending time with family and friends.

His family was his greatest pride. He met Shirley, the love of his life, while working as a soda jerk at A&W, and from that moment, they were inseparable. For 58 years, Mike adored her, crafting toy boxes, furniture, and anything she asked for to make their home special. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love, raising a family along the way. Even after Shirley’s passing, Mike’s love for her never wavered. Now, they are reunited in peace.

As a father, Mike taught his children the values of hard work, honesty, and, most importantly, love. He had special, unique relationships with each of his children and took pride in the lives they built. They filled his life with purpose and joy, and he loved the time they spent together.

He enjoyed the special times with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, laughter, working on projects, and fishing together.

As we remember Mike, we take comfort in knowing that the same rivers and lakes he fished now carry him to eternal peace. A man of faith, Mike lived with a deep understanding that life’s greatest treasures are often the simplest. Though our hearts are broken, we are forever grateful for the love he gave us, the memories we hold dear, and the lessons he taught us. His love, wisdom, and presence will remain with us always, woven into the fabric of his family and reflected in every Montana sunset.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Edith Guza; and his beloved wife, Shirley Guza.

Mike is survived by his sons, Raymond (Ronda) Guza and Gregory (Marci) Guza; daughters, Elizabeth (Luke) Pallister, Teresa Talbot, and Cindy Lafontaine; 15 grandchildren, Michael, Racheal, Jamie, Nick, Joe, Ashley, Jakeb, Lacy, Jordan, Brittany, Austin, Denise, Addisyn, Mitchell, and Emersyn; and 12 great-grandchildren, Kent, August, Rhett, Kimberly, Kruz, Blakeleigh, Harper, Theodore, Samson, Ripp, Maverik, and Raylene.

A celebration of Mike’s life will take place on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Mausoleum, 1410 13th Street South, Great Falls, Montana. A reception will follow at Black Eagle Community Center, 1126 Smelter Avenue.

In honor of Mike’s love for the outdoors and fishing, the family requests donations be made to an organization that supports wildlife conservation or fishing programs.