Marcus James Hinrichs passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025 at the age of 93 in Terry, Montana. He was born on February 20, 1932 in Roundup, Montana. His twin sister, Marlene, arrived soon after but did not survive. He grew up on the family homestead in Delphia, Montana with his three older sisters Elsie, Adelaide and Lucille and two brothers Richard and Ivan.
Marcus graduated high school in Mussellsell, Montana. At the age young of 18 he became responsible for the family ranch as his father Carl had died unexpectedly from hypertension. This left Marcus and Ivan left to run the ranch and care for their mother, who then passed away in 1957.
On June 8, 1958 Marcus married Effie Pearson and they made Delphia their home. Three daughters were born to this union; Jan, Melissa, and Jill.
In 1967 a devastating flood from the Mussellshell river prompted a move to higher ground. Marcus loved the mountains and had dreams of moving to the Snowies, but instead they found a beautiful place west of Kalispell called Pleasant Valley. While ranching was full time, Marcus was hired by the State to become a brand inspector for Flathead County. He continued with this job for forty-eight years. Marcus had a lingering back injury that finally forced him to sell the ranch, so he moved the family to Kalispel, Montana.
Marcus stayed active with jobs at Kalispell Feed and Grain, Campfire Memories and Meadow Lake Golf Course. He and Effie were active members of the Eagles in Kalispell and spent many Saturday nights dancing the night away. Effie loved camping and many summers were spent with family on the upper Thompson chain of lakes.
When Effie passed in 2014, Marcus became active in singing and music groups. He played trumpet with the New Horizons band and the Calamity Jane singing group. He also took many woodworking classes and set up a small hobby shop. His love of plants and gardening is legendary as he could either dig it up and plant or rescue clearance items and they would grow!
Marcus stayed extremely busy till 2020 when Covid shut down everything…the social butterfly was not happy. His oldest daughter suggested a slower pace, but keeping his independence, and moved him to Fallon, Montana. He stayed busy with his woodworking, gardening and taking his beloved dog Lucy for evening drives down quiet country roads.
A fall in August and then a bout of pneumonia lead Marcus to Prairie County hospital where he lived for the last four months of his life.
Marcus is survived by his daughters Jan(Anderson), Melissa (Somerville), and Jill Hinrichs, his granddaughters Teagan, Trenna, Caitlin (Les Keller) and Gracie, his beautiful great grandchildren Emelyn and Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Dorothy Hinrichs, brothers Richard and Ivan, sisters Elsie, Adelaide, Lucille, Marlene, and his beautiful wife Effie.
A graveside memorial service will be held June 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Mussellshell family cemetery in Mussellshell, MT. A luncheon will follow at the Mussellshell school. Make sure to bring a favorite picture and a good story.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you plant a fruit tree or perennials in memory of Marcus.
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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Jackie Bremer says
Mark will be so missed. Jan im sorry for your loss
Nancy & Andy Pehl says
Jan, Andy and I are so sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed the conversations we had with your father both at our church’s movie nights as well as at the nursing home. He added a lot to the afternoon singing with the other nursing home residents. He was thankful for his membership in the Kalispell Presbyterian Church.
Darlene Strobel says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It’s hard to lose a parent. Remember that you are blessed to have had him so many years.
May God grant you strength, grace, courage and comfort in the days ahead.
Love,
Darlene