Marion Jerold “Dakota” Callen, age 96, formerly of Forsyth and Baker Montana passed away on July 26, 2021 at VA Community Living Center in Miles City, Montana due to natural causes. Marion was born on March 28, 1925 in Red Elm, South Dakota to Anson Wilbur and Clara Marie Kowalewski Callen.
Marion went to school in Glenham, South Dakota. He graduated in 1942 from Glenham High school and was valedictorian of his class. After graduating high school at 17, Marion joined the Army in 1944 and fought in WWII as an Aide to General Patton, Army Infantryman from 1944-1946 also was in the European Campaign/Normandy. After receiving his training in Alabama, he was shipped to New York and from there to France. He served in Italy, France, Germany, and England. Marion’s canteen took a bullet for him during a battle. He received 3 purple hearts, bronze star, silver star, Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, two overseas bars, Army of Occupation Medal, and German/Good Conduct Medal/Combat Infantryman Badge.
After the Army, Marion and his family moved to Baker, Montana. He met Ruby Maxine North and they were married on November 6, 1948. To this union they had four children: Jerry, Ron, Anson Victor, and Mariann. Marion started working at the Baker Hotel for a couple years then started work at the L. Price Company in Baker for 21 years. After retiring from the L. Price Company, Marion and Ruby managed the Sagebrush Inn in 1980. In 1983 Marion and Ruby moved to Forsyth and managed the Westwind Motel and retired 1995 and moved back home to Baker. In 1996, when Ruby passed away, Marion moved back to Forsyth.
Marion met Ethel Winkley in Forsyth, they later married on January 8, 2021 through the glass at the VA Community Living Center because of Covid-19.
Marion was a Schwinn Bike man, Bike Collector, and had multiple Bicycles built for two. He had roller skating rinks, was known as the “Candy Man”, and one of his passions was goose hunting. He wrote a book called WWII Tales which was a collection of all the articles he had written for the weekly article section for the Independent Press. Marion had many hobbies, one hobby he enjoyed doing was putting puzzles together, but most of all he loved his family and always kept his faith. He loved watching all of his grandkids play sports, you could always find him in the stands cheering them on.
Marion was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 35 of Baker, participant of Forsyth Honor Guard and Forsyth Post 39 American Legion. In 2012, Marion went on the Big Sky Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He loved his country and was a proud veteran.
Marion is survived by his wife, Ethel; children, Jerry (Carol) of Billings, Ron (Renee) of Bismarck, Anson Victor (Humay) of Baku, Azerbaijan, Mariann of Forsyth; grandkids, Starla (Bryce), Jeanie (Avi), Amy (Rowdy), Shannon (Doug), Anson (Brittany), Jarrod (Lydia), Ronnie Imron, Jill (Eric), Stephanie (Chris), Ruby (Harold); great grandchildren, Alicia (Buck), Tyler (Olivia), Kai, Tej, Ravyn, Payton, Sloane, Nathan, Johnathan, Benjamin, Heldon, Landon, Layne, Lance, Larkin, Lennon, and Baby Atticus Dakota (in 2 weeks); special brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Doris Householder; numerous nieces and nephews.
Marion was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; parents, Anson and Clara; brothers, Edgar, Leonard, Joseph, Arthur, and baby Vaughn.
In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the VA Community Living Center in Miles City or the First Baptist Church of Forsyth.
A funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Forsyth. Following the funeral service a Graveside Service with full Military Honors will be held at 3:00 PM at the Bonneville Cemetery in Baker. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonsandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Saturday August 7, 2021
First Baptist Church
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
3:00 PM
Saturday August 7, 2021
Bonnievale Cemetery
Baker, Montana 59313
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monty erickson says
Marion was a good man Knew him in Baker became friends with him in Forsyth the good Lord has a good one. was my next door neighbor in Forsyth. so sorry for the family’s loss . he was also a very proud veteran.
God be with him. Monty and Irene Erickson
Laurie Lelm says
So sorry for your loss. Marion was a good neighbor and a sweet person. He had so many stories to tell about his life. Prayers for you Ethel and the family. He will be missed!
Robert and Carla Piseno says
So sorry to hear on the passing of Marion.I always enjoyed visiting with him .He was a proud veteran.Praying for Ethel and the Kallen families .
Yvonne (vonnie) Becker says
Marion Callen Family,
Ethel and family, so very sorry to hear of Marion’s passing. You were such good neighbors when we lived on 15th Street in Forsyth. Many good memories of visiting with him out in our yards. My sincere condolences go out to you, Ethel. If you need anything, give me a call.
vonnie
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Kay Davis Berdahl and Rocky says
Ethel, Mary Ann and all Marion’s family,
Very sorry for your loss! It was always interesting to talk with Marion about his service to our country. He will be missed at the puzzle table.
He always got such a chuckle out of listening to the conversations at the senior center while working puzzles.
Nan Quinlan says
So sorry Ethel Marianne and girls
Marion was a very interesting man to visit with. He sure had a long life and was very proud of all of you. Hold his memory’s in your hearts
Deanna says
Prayers to Marion’s family.
Deanna HANRATTY Topp
sharon cope says
My thoughts and prayers to the Callen family. Ethel if you need anything please call. Sharon
Vickie Krause says
I’ll never forget Marion. He was a very special person. He used to call me Cupcake. Heaven has definitely received another angel. Ethel, you are in our prayers. Dennis & Vickie
Mary Kunst says
Marion was such character and always kind. My dad really enjoyed sharing war stories with him. I’m sorry for your loss.
Joby Parker says
Dear Ethel , Mariann and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Marion was such an interesting person to visit with. He had some great stories. He was a special person and will be missed by so many. Blessings and prayers to you during this difficult time. God bless.
Bill and Joby Parker
Danette Olguin says
I am so saddened to hear about Marion’s passing and my heart aches for all of you right now. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the Star and Blue Moon on their visits to Miles City. What a truly honorable man he was and he will be missed by everyone! Ethel, Mariann and family my prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Eddie Helgeson says
Marion was my baseball coach in Baker…….I think I became a Little League coach for my two sons and my youngest daughter using many of the traits I experienced playing for coach Callen…..high on the list was spend the time with your players….hours and hours…… and try your best to emphasize their little successes and minimize their mistakes.
Thank you Marion for some great memories playing American Legion baseball. I was blessed to have many men in Baker who looked out for the two Helgeson boys [age 13 and 10] who lost their dad in a tragic car accident in 1952….Marion Callen was one of those caring father figures…..bless the Callen famity with their own great memories
Scott and Beth Parry says
We always enjoyed visiting with Marion about WW 2, he brought such insight to that time in history. Also enjoyed talking with him about Mary Ann and her girls and grandkids. He so loved being able to watch them flourish in sports and life. Him and Ethel took such good care of one another in their golden years. To all of his loved ones you have our sincere condolences at this difficult time. Scott and Beth Parry.
lynnette watson says
Ethel sorry to hear about marion.he sure is going to be missed.my thoughts and prayers are with you Lynnette Watson
Roger and Paula Hufford says
Vic, Mariann, Ron and Jerry-
So very sorry to hear about your dad. He was kind of a dad to all of us years ago. We enjoyed a good conversation with him a few years back. He will be missed.
Ed Renner says
Marion was a great role model for kids and young men when I was growing up in Baker. My prayers are with the Callen family……my life long friends.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
Ron,Renee & families, Extending our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad ( grandfather). Please know that we share in your sadness as you grieve. May God’s comfort be with you. May you be surrounded with love and precious memories. Hugs to you our friends– Alvin, Sharon, Ryan and Kevin Wenz
Russell Bender says
Preyers to the family. Really liked Marion and qould walk up the street many times to visit and watch him work on bikes. Was always a pleasure to talk to him.
Stan and Teddie Brannin says
Lot’s of love extended to the entire Callen family. Marion and Ruby were stalwarts of the Baker community. Mariann my condolences to you especially because you were my classmate. Your father was amazing. I am saddened he had to leave us so soon but grateful he is in the arms of God! Love and prayers to the entire Marion Callen family.
Glenn & Gay Rost says
Ron, Jerry, Vic, Mariann & Family, we were so very sorry to here about the loss of Marion. I have many memories of the Callen family as Ron & I graduated together played all the sports together with Marion always cheering us on, a huge Baker Spartan supporter! Used to watch him skate backwards on roller and ice skates was always amazed how great he skated I could barely manage going straight. Ruby teaching music lessons, Vic even taught my son Shawn some guitar lessons. Their dinner table and door were open to everyone, the Callen Family was like a second home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless, Glenn & Gay Rost & Family
Lou says
Smile at the memories until you meet again. LOVES
Barbara Bishop (Lovell) says
Hey Marion say hi to my Daddy up there in heaven for me!! I’ll always think about you whenever I pick up a poolstick to play a game!! Thank you for taking me under your wing and teaching me how to play!! You will be missed alot by those of us who love you!!! 🎱 ball in the corner pocket!!!!!
Barb. Heal says
a great friend, loved his humor. Still remember Jim and him hunting, fun times ! special thoughts ti the family.
Anson Vic Callen says
I would like to thank all who have visited here. So beautiful. Your kindness and memories go right to my heart. Health issues do not allow me to travel for this important occasion as I am overseas. Dad was truly a blessing and special gift from above. With technology I will still be at the funeral as I was when he passed. May God bless you and God bless the U.S.A. Stay Safe
Karen Losing says
Dear Mariann, Jerry, Ron, Vic and Families,
I am so sorry for your loss of Marion. He was a real special person and always so friendly and kind and supportive. He sure loved sports and I know he enjoyed watching all you kids and your kids play ball. Mariann, did he ever miss any of our basketball games? For sure not any of the home games. Oh and how happy I was when he ran the rollerskating rink in Plevna. What fun we used to have there! And boy could he ever skate! He touched many lives and will be missed. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Pamela Ash says
Such a great man! I am so sorry for your loss. Pam and Joe Ash
John Reamy says
Sorry to hear about Marion’s passing. I knew him through Ethel, who was part of my wifes family. Also, we were on the first Honor Flight together. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
marcus belgarde says
sorry for your loss to the family hae was a great man to have known