Thomas Robert Micheletto

MISSOULA ~ Thomas “Tom” Robert Micheletto passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born in Sidney, Montana, on August 6, 1932, to John and Anna Micheletto. Tom attended school in Sidney, and after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Tom married the love of his life, Leila "Babe" Boles, on June 13, 1955, in Sidney. Tom and Leila shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before Leila’s passing.

After the Korean War, Tom began working for Collins Mercantile, the local John Deere dealership in Sidney. In 1969, Tom and Leila moved their family to Missoula, where he continued his career at Davies Farm Supply on West Broadway which later became Triple W Equipment. In 2004, he received an appreciation and recognition award from John Deere Co. for 50 years of dedicated service supporting John Deere products. True to form, Tom continued working another 12 years, finally retiring at the age of 83.

Tom loved working on tractors—and even after retiring, he could often be found tinkering on one in the driveway of his home. Ask him anything about restoring a ’68 Chevy Camaro big block 4-speed or the Willys Jeep, and he could give you every last detail. His customers and colleagues would often say, “Tom was the best mechanic in the world—I’d trust him to work on anything.” He truly was a mechanic through and through. When he wasn’t working on or restoring tractors, he was restoring old vehicles and sharing that passion with family and friends.

After moving to Missoula, the family spent countless weekends fishing and camping at Rock Creek, Lake Mary Ronan, and Seeley Lake. Seeley Lake became their favorite spot after Dad bought a boat—his kids learned to water-ski there, and as time went on, friends joined in the fun. Dad identified as “The Boat Driver”—not in the water, but always at the wheel. Why pull only one skier when you can pull two or three? What adventures we had!

In addition to his love of the lake, Tom had a special fondness for horses. What began as one horse soon grew to four, each cared for with pride and affection. A favorite family memory was a horseback ride into the Bison Range with the boys — a trip they never forgot.

Tom also enjoyed golfing with his family and attending Griz games. After retiring, he took up a few new hobbies, wine making with his sons and grandson and —baking apple pies. They were legendary! It quickly became a family tradition to have one of Grandpa Tom’s apple pies at every holiday. There was always a rush to be the first to claim a fresh pie right out of the oven—if you were lucky enough to get there first!

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leila; his parents, John and Anna Micheletto; his son, Tommy Micheletto; grandson, Chad Micheletto; brothers Carlo, Art, Joe, and Jim; and sisters Mary Jensen and Eva Blanford.

He is survived by his daughters Carol (Glen) Richards and Debbie (Chris) Slater; sons Randy (Tammy) Micheletto and Michael (Patti) Micheletto; eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; his sister Josie McIntyre and numerous treasured nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to the amazing staff at Beehive Homes for their compassionate care and kindness.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.

There are not enough words in the world to express how deeply Tom will be missed. His loving and caring spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Love you, bye-bye, take care.”

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.