John “Jack” Douglas Marshall
On Tuesday, March 11th, 2014, Jack passed away at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena after a short illness. Jack, 71 years old, was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Jack was born on April 28th, 1942 to Clarence and Kathryn Marshall in Glasgow. He was raised in Saco, graduating from Saco High School in 1961. Jack married Ruda Haakensen on September 14th, 1963, and the couple lived in Malta and Havre before settling in Big Sandy in 1967. Jack and Ruda lived in Big Sandy until 2012, when they moved to Helena to be closer to their grandchildren. Jack commented often how he “thanked my lucky stars” that they were able to move to Helena to be closer to his family. Jack and Ruda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family in Helena.
Jack was a kind and loving husband, father, and friend who never passed on the opportunity to tell his family that he loved them or was proud of them. Hugs were plentiful and generously distributed to all. It was a rarity for Jack to travel somewhere without finding someone he knew. When this was the case, it was only a few minutes before he had made a new acquaintance. Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading, and visiting “the ranch” on Frenchman Creek. Most of all he loved being together with all of his kids and grandkids. He would tell anyone who would listen how proud he was of them. He worked most of his life as a car salesman, but also put many miles in while delivering mail in the Bear Paws. He was a member of the Big Sandy Gun Club for a time and was active in the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, his mother, and his brother. He is survived by his wife, Ruda, his daughter Lori (Ken) Hoge of Harlowton, sons Todd (Shanell) Marshall and Scott (Jena) Marshall of Helena; grandchildren Jordan (Kelsey) Hoge of Billings, Sterling Hoge of Shawmut, Bryan Marshall and Lydia Marshall of Helena, Isaac Marshall and Isabella Marshall of Helena; great-grandchildren Brayden and Ryder Hoge of Billings.
Memorial services will take place in the Big Sandy High School Auditorium on Saturday, April 5th at 2PM. Memorials Suggested: Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department, Big Sandy Senior Center. Special Thanks to Dr. Justin Thomas and the oncology nursing staff at St. Pete’s for their kindness and assistance.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 5, 2014
Big Sandy High School Auditorium
Big Sandy, Montana 59520
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday April 5, 2014
Big Sandy High School Auditorium
Big Sandy, Montana 59520
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Tom Naegele says
Scott and Family
So sorry for your loss. I will pray for God’s embracing support for you all each day and beyond as you Celebrate the life of your Father.
Gayle Whitaker says
My condolences to your family. I didn’t know Jack well but he was always happy to see anyone from the area. He and Doug had a lot to jabber about when they ran into each other. May blessings and comfort from our Lord be with you.
Gayle
Jacky Williams Gerking says
Ruda and Family,
Just read this in Havre Paper, and want to relay my sympathies and prayers. My dad Bob Williams really had some good times with Jack, and always spoke highly of him. Sometimes Dad would drive the mail route for him…….No matter where I bumped into Jack he always asked about family and Dad.
Blessings and Prayers…..Jacky
Jeannie Decker Hertsgaard says
Ruda, Lori, Todd, Scott, the rest of Jack’s family, and the many friends of Jack…I consider myself one of the fortunate who’s life was touched by Jack many years ago. We even bought a car from him. Dad (Ben Decker) thought very highly of Jack. He was a ‘character’ indeed, which was a lot of his ‘charm.’ May the memories you have of Jack bring you comfort and laughter (and we’re talking Jack here, so there was much laughter), along with your sadness and grief.
Morris & Barb Mavencamp says
To Ruda, Todd, Scott & Lori & their families. Morris rod along with Jack on some of his car selling journeys. They knew and enjoyed a lot of the same people. He will be missed. May your many memories bring you comfort.
Dennis & Margie Slaymaker Clausen says
Ruda & family, We are so sorry for your loss. Jack was always a pleasure to see and visit with. He didn’t know a stranger. Whenever we would see him, he always had a hug and asked about the family. He will be missed by many.
Pat Wutschke, Loma says
Ruda & family, what a shock when I heard of Jack’s passing! Have thought of you guys so often since you left Big Sandy, have missed my hug and b.s. session & of course his latest joke!! I’ll never forget him stopping by the house shortly after Vern passed away to see how I was doing & said “remember girl, if there is anything we can do for you don’t hesetate to call.” The same goes to you & the family, especially Todd, since he is the only one of your kids I knew, & of course Shanell & Bryan. Keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers.
Jim Garrison says
Sorry to hear this unbelievably news , just so glad that Larry Parker and I stopped to see you all in Helena this last fall. Ruda you and your family have my thoughts and prays.
Jack Severson says
Hi Ruda, Lori, Todd, & Scott,
So sorry to hear about Jack. You and Jack and your family were always so kind and great friends to Mom & Red. Sherman & I also always appreciated yours and Jack’s friendship. I certainly don’t have the words to make any of the sorrow & grief you feel today go away, but know, you’re in my prayers. Take Care.
Cecilia Dostal says
Ruda, Todd, Lori & Scott & families,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. His friendship and support meant so much to me when we worked together and after. I will always remember his laughter and my respect runs deep for the true gentleman that he was. An angel must have been whispering in my ear just the other day because I thought of Jack and your family and wondered how you were doing. He will be truly missed! All my love and prayers.
Jason, Nyoka, Libby, & Paige Twitchell says
Marshall family, sorry to hear about losing Jack. Jack was a wonderful person just sorry I have not been able to see him in years. My dad (Jack McCuin) grew up with the Marshall boys in Saco and remembers those memories fondly.
Will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please find comfort in all the happy memories of Jack.
Gene & Donna Roy says
Ruda, Lori, Scott & Todd.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was so loved by all that knew him. Suzie & Lisa especially as he was their uncle. We all have very fond memories of Jack: his sense of humor, the twinkle in his eyes, his helping the girls, and soooo many other things. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
Gene & Donna
Jeanie Green says
Jackie rode the train t whitewater from S aco and would work at the Austin ranch and head back a day late on Monday for school! He ran the propane truck from Malta. Hecwould call me from Malta and tell me to get the Chinese checkers out and he would stop in for a game with me! I was probably 8 years old! I got good at the game as jackie did not just let me win! Also, my Mom still has propane potholders as he brought a good share of them every trip! he called me “tick” and I bought cars from him and my extra set of keys had “my ticker’s keys ” written on them! He always was proud that I lived on the old Austin Ranch and had lots of kids running around on it! I will miss those hugs and how will I know what car is fit for “Tick”??
Colleen Clausen Murray says
Ruda and family,
I have many fond memories of our families together in Zortman. You and Jack were such good friends with mom and dad. Jack was always so friendly and had a great hug for everyone!! May God bless you all at this sad time!!
Zella Munson Smoak says
I went all through school with Jack in Saco. We were in the same church youth group and kept ducking out to drive around town. Jack was fun, kind, big hearted and social. He took the time to stop and see my dad in Fort Benton when dad was in his late 80’s. Dad loved seeing Jack. Sometimes they would go out for coffee. What a wonderful man your Jack was. My sincere sympathy.
Ron and Nanette Hicks says
We were very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. We met him in Helena when a neighbor introduced us to him. Ron did some mechanic work for him and became easy friends. Jack and I found common ground since I was raised in Chinook and we had a few shared friends. Although we only knew him for a short while we sure did enjoy him along with many others that he easily made friends with at the local “watering hole” in the Helena valley. We have been thinking of him and now know that there is an extra special shining star added to our Heaven. God bless all of you. He was a special man and gave the best hugs! May your
memories of him keep him very close at heart. Prayers and hugs to all of you. He was very proud of all of you.