Michael R. Wigton

Michael Rand Wigton 77, passed away July 11, 2026 at the amazing VA home in Post Falls, ID.  Michael passed from Dementia and Parkinsonism from exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.

Mike was born on December 27, 1948 in Polson, MT to Del and Jean Wigton.  Mike joined an older sister Judy and an older brother Theron.  Younger brother David (Gus) later joined their family in 1956.  The family lived in Polson, Montana until 1964.  Mike was a sophomore in high school when Del and jean moved the family to Hot Springs.  Del got hired by the Bonneville Power Company.  Mike played football (kicker), basketball, and track (pole vault).  He loved to remind his kids that he pole vaulted into sawdust, not the fluffy pillow the vaulters use today.

It was in Mike's senior year that he met Trudy Buck who would later become his wife.  After graduation, Mike joined the Air Force and was stationed at Travis AFB in California.  He was a security policeman throughout his four years in the military.  He was then stationed in Bien Hoa, Vietnam for one year.  In 1970 he returned from Vietnam and Trudy and Mike got married.  Together they were stationed at Beale AFB for his final year in the Air Force.

In 1971 Mike and Trudy moved to Polson, MT.  It was here that Mike was a police officer for five years.  During these five years two daughters were born.  Melissa Ann, born in 1972 and Maria Lynn, born in 1974.  Son Scott Michael was born in 1982 to complete their family.

In 1977 Mike and Trudy moved their family to Hot Springs, Mt to help Trudy's family in the grocery business.  Weeks turned into months and months turned into years.  After owning Bucks Grocery for 40 years they decided to retire.  During his time in Hot Springs, Mike was active as a volunteer fireman, was a member on the Hot Springs TV board, and was a Lions Club member.  Through these organizations his kids remember participating in OGNIB, organizing community Easter egg hunts, and attending the annual Fireman's pancake supper.  Most notably was Mike's love of bowling.  He bowled on numerous leagues during the week and was also secretary of the bowling league.  He liked to keep track of how everyone was doing.  He once earned a trophy for a 706 series.

Once Mike and Trudy's kids became involved in basketball they installed a basketball hoop in their yard.  Countless hours of laughter and free throw competitions were had.  Mike was an avid Savage fan and never missed a game!  Once while teaching his girls to throw javelin he managed to throw the javelin right into their neighbors camp trailer.  It's something the kids would never let him forget.

Mike had a love of cars!  He loved buying, selling, or trading them.  His favorite car was the 1067 Mustang.  If you needed a car, Mike was the one you contacted as he read the Deals on Wheels religiously.  Many of the employees at Bucks were lucky enough to have his help when they needed a car.

Favorite memories included camping at Big Arm park on Flathead Lake.  It truly was their favorite thing to do in the summer.  Mike and Trudy were also able to travel with fellow grocers from their area.  Associated grocers offered trips and Trudy was always the first to sign up.  Cruises were their absolute favorite.

Mike worked hard to keep Bucks Grocery growing and expanding for 40 years.  Joy and Eddy Buck would have been so proud.  Mike was not only and amazing Dad but also an amazing Papa to seven grandchildren.  Kon and Maria have three boys, Konnor Michael, Trevor Evan, and Joshua Aaron.  Don and Melissa Vandenbussche have two children, Ryan Michael and Emma Joy.  Scott and Erika have two children, Hayden Michael and Holston Edward.  Mike and Trudy's first great grandchild was born last November to Joshua and Toriana Stellflug, Wesley Aaron.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Del and Jean Wigton, brother Theron Wigton, niece Lisa Jean Gann, in-laws Edward and Joy Buck, and his special cousin Penny McColm.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike's seven grandchildren and his great grandson Wesley, son-in-laws Kon Stellflug and Don Vandenbussche, daughter-in-law Erika Wigton, brother-in-law Frank and sister Judy Dougherty, brother David Wigton, Barney Barneykoff (best friend for 76 years), Lila Baxter, and Jim and Paula Stobie.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Town of Hot Springs Parks Department.  The family is going to purchase two benches in Mike's memory and also donate to the new community splash pad.

Celebration of life will be in the old Hot Springs gym on Thursday August 20th at 11:00 am.  Catered reception to follow in the Hot Springs Elementary Multipurpose Room.