Marlyn Eugene Janssen, 93, passed away at his home in Miles City on June 11, 2020 in the comfort of his family. He was born the son of Sam and Opal Wright Janssen on October 18, 1926 in Wolf Point, Montana, the first of four children and the only one to be born in the hospital.
In his youth he attended elementary school at the Divide School, which his four children also attended. He was involved in 4-H with siblings, raising a garden, and later steers.
His high school years were spent at Custer County High School where he graduated in 1944. During his high school years, he was selected for the school basketball team. Due to his father’s illness, Marlyn was told that he had to go to work to help with the family’s finances. He went to work at the grocery store and later at Miles and Ulmer. This was a big disappointment to him as he loved sports. When his father died, the family moved back to the farm to help his mother. The days were long, and the work was hard, but playing baseball in the summer and going to dances helped. After his mother passed away in 1949, Marlyn assumed the role of guardian for his two brothers, Jim and Glen. A lot of responsibility fell on his 23 year old shoulders.
On April 30, 1955 Marlyn married Alice Pickard from Miles City. Together they raised five children: Linda, Larry, Laurie, Bill, and Wayne. The children were all active in 4-H so he became a 4-H leader for over 20 years. He was also President of the 4-H Council in Powder River County. In 1995 because of his work with the youth, both in sports and 4-H, he and his wife were selected for the cover of the Powder River Fair book. During the years of 1958-1973 he served on the Custer County ASCS Committee and became Vice-President. Since Marlyn had been working hard to build up his cattle herd and his land, he was named Young Farmer of the Year in 1959.
Due to ill health, he and Alice moved to Miles City where he became active in the Drop In Center. He served several years as President of the Board. Since Marlyn loved playing cards and dancing, this was the perfect fit for him. In recent years he began to enjoy a coffee group at Albertsons, where he had many discussions of world affairs with Matt Smith, Bill Zook, Vern Zunich, and Harold Moos to name a few.
Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Opal Janssen, brothers, Jim and Glen and his sister, Mary Alice Hardesty, and son-in-law, Terry Saylor.
He was survived by his wife, Alice, of 65 years, his children; Linda Saylor, Larry (Janet), Laurie (Duane) Claypool, Bill, and Wayne (Taffnie), his grandchildren; Brandy and Christopher Langbecker, Dylan and Amanda Janssen, Anna and Bryan Claypool, Jacob Janssen and Brandon Saylor (step-grandson), great-grandsons; Colby Langbecker, Nico Garcia, and Eivin Saylor (step-great-grandson). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law; Barbara Janssen and Bonnie Janssen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Marlyn’s belief in God sustained him through many trials. As a child, he grew up in Coalwood Church and after he married, he took his own family there where they remain as members.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.
The Family will Receive Friends on, Wednesday June 17, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main St., Miles City, Montana. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Private Services
Friday August 14, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Private Service
Friday August 14, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Private Services
Friday August 14, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Private Service
Friday August 14, 2020
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City , Montana 59301
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Carol Schneidt says
Janssen family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
To the whole Janssen family, I am so very sorry to hear this. Thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all. I have some fond memories of Marlyn.
Mary Notbohm says
Alice and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck and Mary
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Janssen family.
Tom and Judy Collins says
We are so sorry to hear about Marlyn.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Alice and Family, So sorry to hear of Marlyn’s passing, may God be with all of you at this difficult time.
Jane Eichar says
Many loving thoughts and my sincere condolences to dear Alice and the Janssen family.
Julie Emmons says
My condolences to all of you.
Bill Lancaster says
So very sorry to hear this news, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Ranae Lancaster
David and Danette Olguin says
Alice and famIly we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Tom & Ann says
We are so sorry to hear of Marlyn’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jessie Leidholt says
Jim and I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Marlyn. Hugs to you. He was a great guy,
Skin and Betty Collins says
Condolences and prayers to all Marlyn ‘s family. He will be missed by so many of his family and friends.
Kris Ferguson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Karen Gunther says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of the family
mona johnson says
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Ruben and June Opp says
Alice and family,We are so very sorry to see of Marlyn’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and in the days to come.
Ruben and June Opp
Hazel Stabler says
Alice and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Marlyn will surely be missed by many. My prayers are with you.
Donna Sweeney says
I’m so sorry, Alice, for your loss. I feel your pain. Will be in touch.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
So sorry for your loss. So many good memories from 4-H.
Linda Losinski says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Marlyn
was a great person.
Kim & Jeff Hostetter says
Deepest sympathies to the Janssen family.
Aletta and Randy says
Janssen family, sorry to hear about Marlyn’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam Rogge says
Janssen family – My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. Take comfort in the many good memories.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Alice, Laurie, Bill, Larry—
Very sorry to learn of Marlyn’s passing. Another of the old gang from the Divide has crossed over the Great Divide. A great community man, and wherever Marlyn was, fun was happening. Best wishes to all.
Doug and Lucy Benge
GARY AND PAT HELM says
GARY AND PAT HELM ALICE AND FAMILY
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, HE WILL BE MISSED,,,,,,…..
Peggy and Chuck Steadman says
Thinking of you and your family, Chuck always enjoyed his visits!
David and Punky Mann says
Thoughts and prayers for all the Janssen family
Robbin Stoddard says
My thoughts are with all of you during this sad time. Praying for your comfort and strength.
Harriet Jansen says
Alice, sorry to hear of Marlyn”s passing. Will miss talking to him at dances. Sending prayers. Veryl & Harriet
joann daeley says
Sorry to hear about Marlyn. I enjoyed many games of cards with him and against him. He will be misses. Sympathy to the family.
Walter and ArLynn Archer says
Alice and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet Benge Ek says
Grew up with all of you out on the ranch! Marlyn was always very good to me. I enjoyed his company, he was fun and had a great sense of humor! Rest in peace! Sending condolences, love and prayers to the rest of you.
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for the loss of this great man, husband and father. I have fond memories of his 4 H leadership, 4H exchange trip and all he did for our community in Powder River and Custer counties. My mom and dad send their love. I will miss seeing him with your mom .💕
Michael Hardesty says
Those are some great pictures. Going to miss seeing Marlyn when I get back into town. I have some great memories chatting with him. Some of the best hunting trips always were to Volberg. Many Thanksgivings. Going to miss his laugh. So many good times with you all. Alice you are amazing and you never age. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bonnie Russiff Schott
Sandra Janssen Feeney says
I am so sad to hear this. Marlyn was a cousin to my dad, Bille Janssen. When passing through Miles City I would stop at the senior center to visit with Marlyn and Alice.That was such an amazing generation! Hugs and prayers to Alice and family.
Gloria Compton says
So sorry to hear of Marlyn’s passing. Our prayers are with the family and friends.
Tann (Saunders) Laverty says
Dear Alice and Family ~ so very sad to hear your Beloved Marlyn passed away. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
Alice and family: We are deeply saddened to learn of Marlyn’s passing. We pray that our Lord grants you comfort, peace and solace. Each of you has our deepest and sincerest sympathies.
Deb Moths Schmeling says
Alice and Family,
Sorry to hear about Marlyn. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you with comfort, love, and mercy.
Deb Moths Schmeling
JR and Carol Bean says
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt & Linette Donnelly says
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Prayers!
Norman & Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family during this time.
Jane Shores says
Alice and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve enjoyed visiting with Marlyn over the last many years. God bless you all!
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Janssen family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Gookin says
So sorry Alice and family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers…
Lillian Ostendorf says
To the Janssen family you have our sincere condolences. We have many fond memories of visiting with Marlyn both in the country and after they moved to Miles City.
Wanda Gresens says
Laurie we just talked about your parents the last time I was in Miles City . My condolences to you and your family . My parents always had good things to say about your dad . Maybe they will all be visiting again up there together.
Fred South says
So sorry for your loss.
Pete and June Minow says
Alice and family. We are so sorry to hear of Marlyn’s passing. He will be missed by so many. We pray that God will comfort you and give you strength at this sad time. Extending our sympathy.
Sharon Volkman says
Alice, I am sorry for your loss. Marlyn accomplished so much. You have many good memories. You and your children.
Ben and Brenda Minow says
Alice and family,
Ben and I are very sorry to hear about Marlyn, we always had very interesting visits with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Ben and Brenda Minow
Bernice Rolfson says
Alice and family I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.🙏🙏🙏