Michael Edward Boshka

Michael Boshka Obituary Michael Edward Boshka (1950-2024) On October 28th, 2024, the world lost one of its best storytellers, best-worst joke tellers, and, arguably, one of its most stubborn humans. Michael Edward Boshka, 74, passed away at Mineral County Hospital in Superior, MT. Born February 22, 1950, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Doris A. Clifford and Michael J. Boshka, Mike was born telling and often embellishing stories. He was the youngest of two children born to Doris A. Clifford and Michael J. Boshka and was preceded in death by his sister, Doreen Esposito, and nephew Matthew Esposito, who he loved deeply. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, daughter Anna, and son Michael. Mike graduated from Rippowam High School in 1968, having probably used up all of his demerits before graduation. He went on to Providence College in Rhode Island, Florida State University in Tallahassee, and then the University of Virginia, collecting an impressive array of stories, friends, and a strong opinion or two along the way. In 1976, Mike heard the call of the wild and moved West, where he met the equally formidable Jackie Kreitinger, whose wit and beauty bewitched him into staying in Montana. They married in 1977 and, in what may be one of Mikes most legendary achievements, built their cabin together in the woodswithout experience, but with a lot of help from Jackies family, and possibly more determination than caution. Montana turned him into a true outdoorsman: a fisherman, hunter, cross-country skier, and backpacker, and leading him to embrace adventure the way only a stubborn man with little patience for instructions could. A gifted writer, Mike published both fiction and non-fiction that reflected the splendor of the West and his own irreverent take on the world around him. He had a deep love for music, and passed that love along to his children. But it was teaching that seemed to be his true calling. He taught English, Russian, and Drama at Bigfork High School in Montana for 23 years, leaving an indelible mark on his students, who remember him as an inspiring, hilarious, and occasionally exasperating teacher. His dedication earned him the University of Chicago Distinguished Teacher Award in 2002an honor he cherished almost as much as an audience for his jokes. He was the Voice of the Vikings and could be heard all across town announcing football games and rallying community spirit with his unmistakable blend of sarcasm and enthusiasm. We will continue to miss his wit, his ability to make any story better with a little creative license, and his collection of jokes that ranged from clever to horrible. To know Mike was to know laughter, stubbornness, and a bunch of mischief, and he will be greatly missed. In Mikes memory, donations may be made to the Bigfork High School Library and the Superior Swimming Pool Fund. Services Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event