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Michael Pross

Michael “Mike” Alan Pross, of Kalispell, MT, passed away at home on Monday, January 19, 2026. He was 72 years old.

Mike was born to Frank and Mary Jane Pross in Atlantic, IA on February 20, 1953. The Pross Family has deep roots in Atlantic, IA dating back to when the town was created in 1868. After attending Atlantic High School, Mike stayed in the Atlantic area and pursued opportunities to establish his own family. He remained close to his parents, siblings, cousins, and long-time family friends. On November 4, 1971, Mike married the love of his life, Cheryl “Cheri” Lynn Porter of Atlantic. Mike and Cheri raised six children together and always had their hands and hearts full.

Mike was an adventurous “self-made man”. He enjoyed working hard and harvesting the fruits of his own labor. Determined to provide for his family by any means possible, Mike made a living by being a farm-hand, fur trapping, hauling steel and livestock, working as a machinist, and working in the construction industry. After traveling to Alaska in the mid-1980’s, he was inspired by the aviation industry. He pursued and received his private pilot license, receiving his training at the Atlantic Regional Airport. Mike went on to attend Iowa Western Community College, graduating with a degree in Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics. He furthered his career by achieving the status of airframe inspector, which he was very passionate about.

The Mike Pross Family lived in Atlantic, IA until January of 1989. After taking a position at the Des Moines International Airport, Mike moved the family to Norwalk, IA. While working in Des Moines, he continued to seek opportunities in aviation and was offered a shop manager and inspector position at Edwards Jet Center (later Glacier Jet Center), in Kalispell, MT. In June of 2003, the family embarked on another great adventure and moved to Columbia Falls, MT. Mike always loved being in the mountains enjoying the wilderness, wildlife, and abundant natural beauty.

Over the years, Mike enjoyed several hobbies that kept him outdoors all year long. He didn’t discriminate against the kind of fish he caught and loved taking fishing trips with his family and friends. He loved hunting and all things related- taking long drives to spot wildlife, teaching his kids and grandkids to shoot guns, and telling stories of his pursuit for the elusive trophy. Mike also appreciated spending time with his wife Cheri, their six kids, and many great dogs. “Papa Mike” spent his final years following the lives of his grandkids, whether from afar or from the sidelines, enthusiastically rooting for them in every endeavor they undertook.

Preceding Mike in death were his parents, Frank and Mary Jane Pross of Atlantic, IA; brother, Richard Pross of Atlantic, IA; brother, Dennis Pross of Atlantic, IA; father-in-law, Ross Porter of Ludlow, MO; mother-in-law, Betty VanRoekel of Guthrie Center, IA; sister-in-law, Sharon (Richard) Pross of Atlantic, IA’ sister-in-law, Jackie (Dennis) Pross of Atlantic, IA; sister-in-law, Joanne (Frank) Pross of Atlantic, IA; sister-in-law, Cathy (David) Porter-Maynard of Red Wing, MN; brother-in-law, Rick (Marlene) Porter of Copperas Cove, TX; and brother-in-law, Robert “Butch” Porter of Atlantic, IA.

Survivors include his wife, Cheri Pross of Atlantic, IA; his children, Jozlyn (Chris) Strange of Newberg, OR; Joseph Pross of Missoula, MT; Matthew Pross of Ankeny, IA; Nathan Pross of Kalispell, MT; Cassia (Cody) Bouley of Huson, MT; and Mark Pross of Atlantic, IA; grandchildren, Christopher (Taylor) Strange of Newberg, OR; Violet Strange of Newberg, OR; Zebulun Strange of Newberg, OR; Hannah Pross of Lincoln, NE; Derek Pross of Ankeny, IA; Tikka Bouley and Fritz Bouley of Huson, MT; great-grandchild, Cassie Strange of Newberg, OR; siblings, Frank Pross of Atlantic, IA; and Judy (Darrell) Anderson, of Atlantic, IA; sister-in-law, Anita (Martin) Mundorf of Atlantic, IA. Mike is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and life-long friends.

Although not a member of an earthly church, Mike chose to give his life to Jesus in 1985. He enjoyed spending time studying his Bible and reading it with his family.

Mike will be laid to rest in the Atlantic Cemetery near family who preceded him in death.

We love you, Dad.

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Michael Pross Obituary | Just Cremation