Michael, "Mike" Staudt passed away the evening of Feb. 21, 2026. 

Mike was born to Charles and Joan Staudt, on Aug. 31, 1945 in Oneida, New York. Oneida is where Mike spent the majority of his childhood, spending a lot of time on his uncle's dairy farm and going with his dad in the truck for deliveries. His dad is who introduced him to longhaul trucking, which ended up being Mike's life long adventure! Mike drove truck off and on for his dad while also sightseeing the eastern part of the U.S.In the mid '70s Mike decided to venture out West, discovering his love for the vast mountains and trees as well as being completely in awe of the beauty of it all. While still longhaul trucking across the country, going wherever the haul took him, he met the mother of his children, Angela in the late 70's. They decided to settle down in Montana, eventually moving to Priest River in the late '80's and this is where they raised their 3 children, Jason, Matt, and Katie. During this time Mike stayed close to home driving logging trucks and then heavy equipment in gravel pits. After Mike's youngest graduated high school, he decided to go back out on the road long hauling. During this time he made his way back east, back to Oneida where he spent several years with his family and helping take care of his mother. However, his love for the beauty of the west and his grandchildren brought him back to N. Idaho, back to Priest River. He eventually retired, soaking up the time with his grandchildren and the mountains.  During all of Mike's travels he was notorious for collecting unique experiences and rocks along the way! He was always bringing home an interesting rock, petrified wood or story of some adventure! A couple of the most memorable was when he snuck into Woodstock with his little brother Charlie or having a beer with Kevin Costner at some hole in the wall bar! Mike was also known for his attention to detail, whether it be how you stacked the firewood, mowed the lawn, coming up with the best word in scrabble or maintaining a vehicle; especially when it came to keeping the trucks cleaned, polished and chrome shiny! He took great pride in having the sharpest looking truck out on the road.  Mike is survived by his 3 children, 3 grandchildren, Sawyer, Joslyn, and Joby; all of Priest River. His sisters Bonnie and Debra of Oneida, NY, his brother Charlie of San Antonio TX, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both his parents and his sister Christine.

There will be a celebration of Life March 28th, 2026 at Lou's Place in Priest River, at 2 p.m. Please join family and friends for a potluck, drinks and memories.