Michael Lee Petty

Michael Lee Petty, 82, of Chubbuck, Idaho, passed away on January 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and well-documented adventures. He was born on May 26, 1943, in Pocatello, Idaho, to George Lee Petty and Mary Fay Smith Petty. A proud lifelong resident of Pocatello, Michael loved his hometown and the people in it.

Michael graduated from Pocatello High School in 1961, but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was meeting his high school sweetheart, Josalyn Schoeck. They spent their teenage years attending tennis court dances, Band Stand, and all the classic small-town social events that made the early ’60s unforgettable.

After high school, Michael served his country in the Army National Guard. Once his service was complete, he returned home, married Josalyn, and began building the life he loved. He worked as a carman for the Union Pacific Railroad. In the early 70’s Michael joined the Naval Reserve program and worked as a Steelworker in the Navy Seabees. Michael officially retired from the Railroad around 1991, but he never actually slowed down. Whether he was tackling a home project, maintaining his property, or keeping meticulous records, he approached every task with an undiminished energy that defined his life.

Michael and Josalyn raised their two children, Michael and Traci, in Pocatello. As a family, they camped their way through Canada, explored the Oregon and California coasts, and visited many ski resorts with family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Later, though their marriage ended in 1987, the years they shared built a strong foundation.

In 1989, Michael met JoAnn Moore of Blackfoot, Idaho, and the two were quite a pair. They spent countless hours fishing side by side and became local legends at their annual Halloween costume contests — often taking first place whether dressed as matching scarecrows, Raggedy Ann and Andy, or a prehistoric caveman and cavewoman duo. Together they traveled the country in their Odyssey van, happily checking off states one by one.

Michael’s hobbies truly defined him. He treasured time with his sisters Sue Frasure (Martin) and Debbie Sorenson (Kent), his mother, and his nieces and nephews. Even in recent years, he faithfully attended weekly pizza night with family and regular gatherings with old friends — because routine, like record-keeping, mattered to him.

And speaking of record-keeping — if you ever wondered about the exact temperature, wind direction, date, time, and participants of a fishing, hunting, or skiing trip from 30 years ago, Michael was your man. He could also tell you precisely when the water heater was replaced, how many miles were on the truck at its last oil change, and why preventive maintenance was a life philosophy.

If there was one true passion that edged out the rest, it was goose hunting, though duck, pheasant, and deer hunting were close contenders. And when it came to fishing — especially below the American Falls Dam — it was nearly impossible to keep him away. Michael truly lived for the outdoors. His extensive photo and mount collections were of his proudest moments in the field and on the boat as they served as undeniable evidence of a life well-lived in pursuit of his passion.

Michael also enjoyed the thrill of a little gambling adventure, whether at Fort Hall, Jackpot, Wendover, or Las Vegas. He loved a good Keno card and was never one to turn down a lotto ticket. He believed in living in the moment — preferably with a good story, a cold drink, and plenty of laughter.

Sadness struck in October of 2020 during the height of COVID when Michael’s partner in crime, JoAnn, passed away. Good days were fewer and farther between after JoAnn’s passing. He missed her beyond words.

In May of 2022, Michael interviewed his greatest soon-to-be tenant on the planet, Pat O’Brian. Pat was often mentioned in conversation, whether it was just having a beer and cigar on the front stoop or tearing up the town on one of their gambling trips. Pat was a true friend from day one.

He is survived by his son, Michael Todd Petty (Tracy) of Pensacola, Florida; his daughter, Traci Lambson (Garth) of Chubbuck, Idaho; his sisters, Sue Frasure (Martin) of Pocatello and Debbie Sorenson (Kent) of Pocatello; his grandchildren, Megan Gaydos (Nick) of Spanish Fort, Alabama; Joshua Petty (Taylor) of Longbeach, Mississippi; Remy Lambson (Kenzie) of Mackay, Idaho; Sloan Lambson of Chubbuck, Idaho; Tadhg Lambson of Chubbuck, Idaho; and Tiarnaigh Lambson of Chubbuck, Idaho; and his great-grandchildren, Caroline Gaydos and Santiago Lambson, along with beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Michael will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and frequently quoted. His stories, laughter, and legendary logs of life’s adventures will live on in all who knew him.