Michael "Mike" D. Tester

Michael “Mike” Tester, 72 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday evening, May 30, 2020 at his home in the loving care of his family. 

Michael Daniel Tester, son of Donald George and Flora Ann (Myers) Tester was born on May 5, 1948 in Devils Lake ND.  The family moved to California and then Minnesota before returning to Devils Lake when Mike entered the 7^th grade. Mike graduated from Central High School with the class of 1966.  He continued his education at Bismarck State College, earning a degree in Business. 

Mike met the love of his life at a Fort Totten Boys and Girls Club dance in 1966 and he swept her off her feet.  Mike married Sharon Lenoir on October 12, 1968 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  They lived a beautiful life of love and marriage for 51 plus years.

Mike and Sharon moved to Seattle WA where Mike worked for Ma Bell and later Gaylord MN in excavating and underground construction.  In 1971 they returned to North Dakota, back to Devils Lake and made it their home through the years. 

Mike worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, often working 2-3 jobs at a time. His work ethic was an example to so many, including his children and grandchildren. Mike worked for Ron’s Standard with Ron Geller and for Sioux Manufacturing for 18 years.  He was employed as a salesman for PFL Annuities and also worked for several years at WalMart.  He was the owner and operator of Little Brown Mug and most recently had worked for the Devils Lake School System as a Bus Driver until retiring in 2014 due to health issues.  These were the daytime jobs but he also worked as a bartender, taxi driver, carrier for the Grand Forks Herald and as a softball umpire.

Mike had a passion for softball and was a player, manager and coach of several teams including Trini’s, VFW and Burly’s Bears.  He spent nights and weekends at games and tournaments and made many life-long friends.  When the softball season was over, Mike would be doing some pheasant hunting in western North Dakota with family and friends. 

Mike loved his family, being “Papa” was the greatest joy in his life and he always was a positive influence, was involved in their lives and treasured every moment spent together as a “family” which included many treasured friends.  

Mike was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and also enjoyed membership in the Elks Lodge.

Mike’s faith, his family and his friends were the pillars in his life.

Mike’s loving family include his wife Sharon; children Jayson Tester, Christie (Darin) Elliott all of Fargo ND, Ryan “Butch” Tester, Grand Forks ND and Kyle Tester, Devils Lake; grandchildren Jazelle, Jorgia Mae, Paige; Alexander, Branson; Ashton, Ryder and Lavin; sisters Pam (Garth) Krause, Wyndmere ND and Toni (Ron) Joslin, Wahpeton ND; special “brothers” Bradley “My Captain” (Joann) Johnson, Wayne “Blood” (Paola) Trottier Jr., Darcy “Darc” (Dorothea) Olson and many other special brothers; many beloved nieces and nephews and others so very special in his heart including the Monette family, Johnson family and Danyelle Dornheim-Johnson.  He loved you all. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Donnella F. “Donni” Kabanuck and a sister in infancy, godchild Monica Valenzuela (Johnson), special niece Jenell Brule (Johnson) and mother-in-law Amelia “Ma” Lenoir. 

Casket Bearers will be his sons Jayson, Ryan and Kyle, Darin Elliott, Alex Elliott, Branson Elliott, Ashton Rodlin and Ryder Tester.  Honorary Bearers Brad Johnson, Wayne Trottier Jr., Darcy Olson, his softball brothers and many friends and relatives.