Marvin W. Quinlan Jr., age 65 of Forsyth, MT passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday April 20, 2022, at the family ranch in Forsyth. Marvin was born on May 16, 1956, to Marvin W. Quinlan Sr. and Leona Marie (Mickell) Quinlan in Billings, MT.
Growing up, Marvin was very active in 4-H and FFA. He earned many awards in these organizations. In FFA he received the State Degree and the American Farmer Degree. After graduating from Forsyth High School in 1974, Marvin went on to get his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Marvin earned a Law degree from Seattle University.
Marvin married Allison Pratt on August 1, 1981. They lived in Tacoma while Marvin worked on his law degree and working many jobs. He was always willing to tell you about his unique experiences in Washington, from working at a funeral home to driving around Prince in a limo. Marvin moved to Bozeman after his divorce and worked as a lawyer before moving back home to Forsyth where he would work as the County Attorney and own his own practice.
Marvin believed in education and continuing to better yourself with knowledge. In doing that he traveled a lot. Some notables he enjoyed sharing his experiences in were Israel, New York City and the Twin Towers, Washington DC, and Minneapolis where he helped work a beef cattle deal with China.
He later lived on the family ranch, ranching, and volunteering countless hours to many organizations. He believed in organizations that helped people and helped the community. He was currently serving as the Congregation President for Concordia Lutheran Church, Board President of Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits, Board member of the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County, Board Vice President and Board Development Director of One Health Community Health Center Network, Board Chair of Rosebud County Council on Aging, Board Member of Rosebud County Planning Board, and Board Member of Forsyth Friends of Shakespeare. He volunteered for Magic City Blues Festival and one of his favorites, The Montana Rescue Mission.
Marvin was always involving himself in statewide endeavors to leverage more resources and investment in Eastern Montana especially for his hometown of Forsyth.
Marvin was a natural and experienced leader he understood the challenges of small, rural communities and was knowledgeable about small unstaffed community foundations. Marvin is a fifth generation Montanan who managed the family ranch. He was a cattle rancher, attorney, business consultant, community advocate, servant leader, and catalyst for change. He was actively engaged in diverse issues ranging from early childhood education, affordable housing and elder care to state-wide community building and international agriculture. He wrote for the local, regional, and national publications.
If you ever attended a meeting that Marvin was presenting, he enjoyed good -hearted foolishness and had a great timing for cracking jokes that would lighten the load of sometimes way-too serious Board discussions. He was a strong and steady voice in strategically advocating the expansion of programs that could reach and benefit Montana’s small and geographically isolated rural communities.
Marvin was a great inspiration to many people. With joy and gratitude, we should all celebrate his life of service to humankind.
In lieu of flowers, Marvin’s family would welcome friends making donations to the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County to support its grant making program or to their favorite charitable organizations.
Marvin is survived by his son, Aaron Michael Quinlan, his sisters Brenda Duncan (Daryl), Christy Bierlein, and Michelle Allen (Dave), his niece Emily Iversen, his nephews D.C. (Erin), Ryan (Ciara), David (Marni) and many great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Marvin, mother Leona, sister Elizabeth, his grandparents, his great niece Alexis Pedersen, along with a very good friend, Dennis Harrison.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 5-7 PM at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth on Monday, May 2, 2022. Burial will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Dwayne Albertson says
I miss you already, my friend. Sincere condolences to
the family. .
Marvin gave so much to the community and to his church family. .
Rest well.
Diana Mickell Hale says
Brenda, Michelle, Christy and family, my prayers and thought are with you all. Words cannot explain the sorrow and hurt you are going through, and I pray that the memories will carry you through this hard time. Hugs and loves to you all?
Connie Brown says
Sorry to hear of your families loss, prayers to you all. Marvin just texted me the 16th to come take pictures of the new stain glass window at Concordia Lutheran Church. We will miss him helping write articles for the paper. Hold tight to your memories!
Ralph and Donna Mitchell says
Brenda, Christy, Michelle and family it hurts my heart to hear of Marvins passing, I am confident he is with his Lord and Savior. If you need anything please let me know. He will be missed by lots of us. My prayers are with you at this very hard time
Brian & Peggy (Quinlan) Certain says
So sorry to hear of Marvin Jr’s passing. Our prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
TJ Cape says
I’m so sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing. Have known him since high school. Always enjoyed visits when we would run into each other in town. My condolences to his family.
Carrie Moran McCleary says
To Marvin’s family, friends and community. I served with your dear one on the One Health Board for several years. Please know he was a champion for your community and human kind. I leaned on him often as a friend among our board. He never let me down and always gave the best advice. I’m sending sincere condolences and prayers for strength and peace in the coming days.
Rita FitzGerald says
Brenda, Christi, Michelle and all,
No words can express my shock at hearing about Marvin! How much you have lost already and now this. My prayers are with you!
I can still see Marvin tearing up the county road on his 4-wheeler to beat your Dad to the gate to open it for him. Quite a pair feeding the cows and then there was seeing the whole crew moving cows up the county road!
Love to all❤️❤️
Rita
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol Plympton says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. May the Lord, Almighty hold and renew you. Sincerely, Rocky and Carol
Elmer and Avid Spidel says
I am sorry and shocked to here of Margins passing may the Lord comfort you girls in this time of sorrow..
Deb and Bill Anderson says
I am so sorry for the Quinlan family for your loss. Marvin Jr was really a kind and carrying person. I am just so shocked by him passing.
Sheila Haselhuhn says
I never knew Marvin personally, but I was aware of his active involvement in the community. He helped a great many people and he will be truly missed. My condolences to the entire family.
Peggy and Earl says
To Marvin’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Marvin’s passing. Marvin was a real champion for his family, friends, church, and the entire community of Forsyth. The world has lost a wonderful, very intelligent person with a huge heart. Today we all share in your sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing that many caring hearts are holding you close at this difficult time.
Pam Shelton says
Thoughts and prayers
sharon cope says
Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Marvin will be missed by his friends, community and his church.
Gary and Kathryn Wagner says
On Saturday, we received a hand written letter from Marvin providing us an update on the stained glass window at the church. Also included were Easter greetings including the following: ” John 11: 25,26, Our old history ends with the cross. Our new history begins with the Resurrection. ” Marvin continued with this message: ” Easter is the time to rejoice and be thankful for the gift of life, love, and joy. As the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians, Grace, & Peace to you.” ” The Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring – a quote from Martin Luther.” Rest in peace Marvin. He will be greatly missed.
Mary Kamerzel says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My God give you comfort and peace.
Pamela Ash says
I am so sorry for your loss. Marvin will b missed.
Doug &Carol Mathews and My FAMILY says
BRENDA, Michelle, Christy and Family. Our prayers are with each of you. So sorry, may MEMORIES AND PRAYERS help through this difficult time. Our Love To All.
Lynelle Tompkins says
Marvin’s passing will leave a very large empty spot in the community. He did so much to inform people of events and possibilities for expanding our rural area. He will be missed.
Paul and Mary Kunst says
We are so very sorry. Marvin was a good man, and our community is poorer for his passing.
Julie DalSoglio says
Marvin contributed greatly to his local community and Eastern Montana but also statewide. I had the joy of serving with him on the Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits, based in Helena. His humor, insight into how nonprofits operate and their unique challenges in meeting basic human and community social needs, ability to offer great advice, and, of course, current weather and cattle operations updates, always made our meetings more enjoyable. I am so glad I got to come to Forsyth and meet Marvin in person. He will genuinely be missed.
Robert Piseno says
To all of Marvin’s families.We were saddened to hear if his passing.Marvin was a gentle soul and will be missed in our community.Prayers and hugs. Carla and Bob Piseno
Al kajin says
Be not sad he died- be glad he lived!
RaeAnn Svedberg says
Marvin was one in a million, always gentle and kind. It didn’t take long for him to come visit me when I started going to Forsyth a lot several years back. He would come in and we would talk about everything under the son. I think we solved the world’s problems – or at least we tried in those conversations. He will be so missed. We’re thinking of the entire family at this very difficult time.
Carolyn (Johnson) Hays says
So sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing. You have all had too much sorrow lately. God be with you and heal your broken hearts.
Linda Wolff says
Marvin and I had several discussions about my Husband and college. Council on Aging as well as One Health will miss Marvin greatly. We will miss you Marvin. So sorry for your loss.
Elida thom says
So sorry to hear about your brothers passing. God iwill heal your broken hearts . Prayers sent your way
Alberta Sanchez says
Christy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. The timing is never good for anyone who have lost a loved one. I know you have many memories of him because I’ve heard some stories. Keep those close to your ❤. I hope and pray that you and your sisters find comfort in knowing he’s with your parents and they are rejoicing together. I’m here for you always and forever. God bless your whole family during this difficult time. I’m just a phone call away, I’ll hop on a plane and be there in no time at all.
Just say the word.
Blessings,
Alberta and Teddy Sanchez Colorado Springs
Blessings,
Tammy Zemliska says
Marvin was a special friend from the moment we met doing Community foundation work. Many discussions solving all the problems rural communities face. Our friendship continued as we moved into different causes. It was just this last week we visited about the Northern lights and the skies I saw while in Honduras. I will miss his funny little cards that turned to text messages recently. So Glad he upgraded his technology. I’m still in shock life is so precious if I learned anything from Marvin it’s don’t let those important to you not know you care. Miss you already.
Irene Nelson says
I knew Marvin through church events and the Democratic Party. Marvin was a very caring, kind man who looked for ways to help others through his service. I’m so very sorry for the Forsyth community and his family. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Elta says
I met & worked with Marvin on the Community Foundation of Montana and thoroughly enjoyed working with him! He was the most amazing and interesting gentleman and I do mean gentleman. You could tell within 5 minutes of talking to him how deeply he felt about the work he did. He was such an asset to humanity and will be sorely missed. RIP Sir Quinlan.
Michael Turley says
Christy and family;
Marvin was a great asset to Future Farmers of America (FFA) and also held influence during his school days in Bozeman. Christy, you are also a hardworking, loyal person that I fortunately grew to know well. My heart is with you and your family.
Monte Wilke says
Monte Wilke: Mount Calvary Lutheran, Colstrip
Sincere condolences to the Quinlan family. Marvin’s leadership and friendship will be missed.
Yvonne (vonnie) Becker says
TO THE FAMILY OF MARVIN QUINLAN, JR.:
My condolences go out to each and everyone of you … What a great obituary written, a tribute of his life of dedication, not only to this community but to the State of Montana.
Marv had many areas of expertise, as mentioned above by so many others. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him, a true “humanitarian.”
KAREN AND RAY PELLANT says
WE ARESO SORRY FOR THE FAMILY’S LOSS.
Dennis Wagner says
I will be forever grateful for Marvin’s steadfast friendship, kind counsel and his thoughtful role-modeling. He was the first friend I made when I arrived at Montana State University in 1980; he took me under his wings as if I were his younger brother, and ushered me into the FarmHouse Fraternity. We partnered together in business with fellow FarmHouser Fritz Zook to feed cattle in Hardin, to ship dairy cows to China and more. Immediately upon his return to Bozeman after journeying to Israel for an extended stay, Marvin enthusiastically introduced my wife, Diane, and I to the pleasures of fresh pita bread, hummus and white wine in our married student housing apartment. We have loved it ever since, just as we love Marvin. I was proud to help him with his brochures and campaign materials for his successful election to become County Attorney. Although separated by great distance for the last 37 years, Marvin visited my wife and I in Washington, DC and we always kept in touch, including whenever we visited family and friends in Baker, Miles City and other parts of SE Montana. Marvin was a solid, dependable, compassionate, fun-loving and life-long friend to both Diane and I. We mourn his loss and will miss him deeply. Our heartfelt condolences to his loving family members and other friends — you are in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully, Dennis Wagner & Diane Hill
Richard and Cindy Woelich says
Our Deepest Sympathy and Love for your Family… God has Gained Another Great Person. Be Strong and Carry On… Cherish the Memories….
Judy Reichert and family says
Our condolences to the Quinlan family.
James Hafer says
Just learned of Marvin’s passing. Sorry for your loss.