Marcia Lynn (McDowell) Gergen passed away on January 22, 2026 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus. She was born on January 1, 1945, in Fairfield, California. She was the first child of Joe and Isabel (Klein) McDowell of Broadus, Montana. The family lived there for only about two years and they all moved back to Broadus. They lived in a dugout in Crane Acres until the Cashway service station and general store were built with their house on the back of the store. The family grew to include her sister, JoAnn, who was also born in California and her brother Jerry. The family eventually built a house across the road from the Cashway and moved into it. The last brother, Donnie, was born there. This is where Marcia grew up and attended school and lived most of her life.
Marcia married Willy Gergen on October 20, 1963. They lived for the first few years on the McDowell ranch. To that union three children were born: Billy Joe, Tana (Clayton Patten) and Jay Gergen. Marcia and family moved and worked at many different places in Montana. They also lived in South Dakota for three years. Wherever they went both Marcia and Willy worked. If Marcia had a choice she would spend her time outside. No chore was too difficult for her. She could also cook, bake and sew. She also loved rock hunting and did that anytime she was outside. She had quite a collection of rocks including petrified wood, fossils in rocks and agates. Marcia also collected miniature tea sets. She had quite a collection of those too. Once a year for several years Marcia, her sister JoAnn, and her sister-in-law Cathy McDowell would take a 4-day, girls only trip to New Mexico. It was always fun. They also made a trips to Disney World in Orlando, Florida; Cancun, Mexico; Laughlin, Nevada and saw London Bridge. In fact, they drove over it several times looking for it. She made several trips to Las Vegas, Nevada and stayed with her sister in both Mesa and Show Low, Arizona.
Marcia spent about four years in Oregon with Alisa helping watch the kids while Alisa worked and went to school. After her divorce in October of 1993, she took care of her parents for several years and worked full-time at the nursing home in Broadus. She retired from there after 29 years and could then do some traveling.
Marcia was preceded in death by her mother and father and her brother Jerry McDowell.
Marcia is survived by her three children: Billy Gergen, Tana (Clayton) Patten and Jay Gergen; her grandchildren: Jeremy (Victoria) Allen; Benjamin (Lateshia) Patten, Matthew Patten, Travis (Erica) Gergen, Ryan Gergen, Key (Kelly) Klungland, LaShanda Yates and Amber Yates; great grandchildren: Lainey, Gracie and Paige Allen, Lillian, Abigail, Henry and Lewis Patten, Cullen and Robert Patten, Bently and Madison Gergen and Kaylor Klungland; a brother, Donnie and a sister JoAnn, a sister-in-law Cathy and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She will be missed by all who knew her.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Carol Schneidt says
Thoughts and prayers to Marcia’s family. She was a friend and classmate while we were in high school.
Tom & Judy Collins. says
We were so sorry to hear about Marcia.
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for your loss. To the family and community ; you’re blessed to know her and her story.
Beverly McDowell Harris says
So sorry to hear. I remember that smile and can hear her laugh even today.
Beverly McDowell Harris says
So sorry that we have lost Marcia. I remember her smile and can still hear her voice and laugh. Great memories as kids visiting Uncle Joe & Izzy’s place at Broadus.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Prayers for all the family..🙏💪🙏