Michael Nicodemus Somday

Mike was born to James & Rose (Gua) Somday, shortly after his identical twin brother – James B. Somday Jr. on April 25, 1934 in a small shack about 3 miles downstream from the Grand Coulee Dam in (Koontzville) Elmer City, WA.

Mike was a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, and after graduating high school he enlisted in the US Navy. Part of his 21 years of service was spent in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.

Mike’s most memorable port of call was certainly Italy, for it was there that he met Miss Maria Maffeo; whom he married on Sunday, May 1, 1960 in Pompeii, Italy.

On September 9, 1974, Senior Chief Michael N. Somday, ETCS, retired from active duty and then returned home to Elmer City, Washington with his family.

A lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church, Mike was active in the Sacred Heart Mission in Nespelem and with St. Henrys Catholic Church in Grand Coulee, WA, helping others through Cursillo and many other ways.

After his “retirement” from the US Navy Mike spent another thirty-five years working for the Colville Confederated Tribes as an Administrative Executive, Tribal Council, Bench Judge, and Gaming Commissioner, Mike’s consistent focus was for the betterment of his tribal community.

Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, was an avid beader – crafting beautiful religious and native cultural medallions from the tiniest of beads as gifts for others. Mike’s greatest love though was always time spent with his family, whom he adored and constantly poured his love and wisdom on.

Preceded in death by his parents: James & Rose (Gua) Somday, three brothers, and two sisters. Mike’s proud legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 57 years, Maria M. Somday; his twin brother, Jim Somday Jr. (wife Francisca); his children: Joe Somday, Mary Louie, Rose Ellis and Michelle Somday (husband Mike); grandchildren: Rachel Abbink (husband Brian), Michael Somday, Jennifer Golla (husband Seth), Thomas Somday, Nicholas Louie (wife Mary), Robinson Ellis (wife Brittney), Christopher Louie, Taylor Ellis (wife Lexi), Aja Ellis, and Justice Somday; 12 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members.

Please make any donations in Mike’s name to St. Henrys Catholic Church, 590 West Grand Coulee Ave., Grand Coulee, WA 99133

At Michael’s request, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.

Please sign Mike’s online register book at www.stratefuneralhome.com.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is honored to be serving Michael’s family.