Marlyn Janssen

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 sister-in-laws, 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: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.