Mikel Ridgley Greathouse, 66, passed away on February 4, 2024, surrounded by his kids and listening to music, in Stevensville, Montana.
When Mikel was born May 3, 1957 in Fairbanks Alaska, his father, John Greathouse, was a navigator stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, with mother Beverly and older brother Harry living on base.
He did his schooling in Sacramento, California, and worked in construction there in his youth, helping to build hundreds of homes as a member of the carpenter’s union. In 1992, he moved with brother Harry and family to Missoula, Montana to form Greathouse Construction with father and stepmom, John and Vicki Greathouse. Mikel and Harry built over 50 custom homes and did countless remodels in the Bitterroot Valley and Missoula, and Greathouse Construction won awards and acknowledgements in Missoula’s Parade of Homes and as members of the Missoula Building Industry Association.
Mikel was an active outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing, and hunting trips with family, in such beautiful places as the Rubicon Trail in California, the Big Hole, and the Klutina River in Alaska.
Perhaps even better known than his building with Greathouse Construction is the music he and bandmates brought to Missoula and towns throughout Montana. Mikel was the guitarist in Blue Moon. He loved blues, jazz, rock, and all genres of music all his life.
Mikel is survived by his mother, Beverly Rouse; brother, Harry Greathouse; sister, Laura Linneman; stepsisters, Heidi and Teri; daughter, Effie Greathouse and spouse, Gregory Benison; son, Patrick Williams and spouse; son, Lucien Greathouse; and two grandchildren, Hazel Greathouse and Kevin Benison.
He was preceded in death by father and stepmom, John and Vicki.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, February 13 at 1:00 P.M. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Western Montana Musicians Co-Op – mtmusic.org – 1 Eisenhower St SW, Ronan, MT 59864 – in memory of Mikel Ridgley Greathouse would be much appreciated. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.