Marvin Kenneth Reese
In the early morning hours of January 24, 2013, surrounded by family, Marvin K. Reese lost his battle to pancreatic cancer and closed his beautiful, smiling blue eyes for the last time. He was 76.
Marvin was born on August 28, 1936 in Ekalaka, Montana to Ingward and Katie (Andolshek) Reese. He was the eldest of two children. Marvin attended elementary schools in Baker and graduated from Baker High School in 1954. After graduation, Marvin enlisted in the United States Air Force on September 16, 1954 and was honorably discharged on June 16, 1958. After proudly serving his country and attending Montana State College, Marvin began a long career with the United States Forest Service. During his time as a Forest Service Engineer Technician, Marvin built roads, fought fires, and did administrative work, but his passion was working outside and he always had the absolute best farmer’s tan.
In 1965, he married Lorraine Smith. From this marriage two children were born, Karen and Mark. In 1970, Marvin adopted Lorraine’s children, Mary Kay and Curtis. Marv loved being outdoors and many weekends were spent camping in the forests around Helena, especially at Park Lake and Vigilante campgrounds. The passion that Marvin had for the outdoors was instilled in his four children, all whom enjoy exploring the path less traveled. In addition to camping, Marvin loved fishing, gardening, traveling, music, and sports. He was a member of both Our Redeemer’s and St. John’s Lutheran churches as well as being a Lifetime Member of the Elks Club.
On June 15, 2001, Marvin married Shirley Bentzen and they spent 11 1/2 wonderful years camping, gardening, and attending grandchildren’s events. Marvin loved traveling with Shirley and together they enjoyed bluegrass music festivals, spending time in Arizona, and visiting family in eastern Montana and other parts of the United States.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his loving wife Shirley, sister Dorothy (Lyle) Neary, from Baker, and children, Mary (Rocky) Yuricic of Helena, Curt Reese of Bozeman, Karen Reese (Jim) and Mark Reese (Jamie), and his stepdaughter Jill Henry (Scott), all of Helena. He will also be missed by his 13 grandchildren, Theresa (Christian) Palmquist, Amanda Yuricic, Ashley, Kristina, Carson and Evan Reese, Logan, Brady and Seeley Schwenk, Travis, Dylan and Morgan Henry, and Megan Stevens.
Marv, Dad, Grandpa – we will miss you! Thanks for your never ending support and your hard work ethic. We know you are in a better place now and look forward to the day when we can be reunited. We love you and will never forget all the good memories.
A memorial service celebrating Marvin’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1000 Helena Ave. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the lower level of the church. Interment with military honors will take place at approximately 1:30 at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Memorials are suggested to NAMI of Montana, the Humane Society, or an organization of donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Marvin.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 29, 2013
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 29, 2013
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday January 29, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday January 29, 2013
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 29, 2013
St. John's Lutheran Church
1000 Helena Ave.
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday January 29, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59636
Share
Damon Williams says
Condolences to the Reese family. May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) My prayers are with you.
Dorothy McCarter says
My dear Shirley,
I am so sorry to learn about Marv’s passing. He made you happy for many years, and for that I am grateful. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy
Fred & Vi Madison says
We have been friends with Marv for many years, he was always busy doing something,him and Shirley loved to traval and do things with the Grand Children. He will be missed. Shierly you will be in are prayer.God bless you for the care you gave Marv. Fred and Vi Madison
Jill (Bentzen) & Scott Henry says
Mom, I think it’s so awesome that you and Marvin found each other again after so many years……it’s like it was meant to be…….he told me many times grateful he was to have found you again, you were a blessing to each other 🙂
Karen, Mark, Mary and Curtis, I am blessed to have been able to get to know your father the past 12 years. Marvin was a wonderful step-father, and the only grandpa my children have ever known. He meant the world to all of us and we will miss his smiling face and gentle spirit……….you now have a very special angel with you every day, watching over you and your families.
Rodney and Marilyn Askin says
To all of Marvin’s Family: Our Sympathy and Prayers are with you all. Rodney and Marilyn Askin Baker, Mt.
Elly and James Driggers says
We hope that your family finds comfort in all the happy memories. Our thoughts are with you during this time.
Maria & Johnny Gonzales says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the happy memories help you get through the diffult days ahead. We love you! God Bless
Mike & Mary Root says
Shirley and families we are thinking of you all in this difficult time. During this time of sorrow, may the gentle presence of friends and the caring love of family and friends help to comfort you. And we know that he will be forever in your memories and hearts and that the Guardian Angels will keep him safe until you meet again.
Love Mary & Mike Root & Family
Fred and Vernetta Dalbec says
Marv and Fred go way back working together in the Forest Service. We are out of town and cannot attend Marv’s funeral. We were sorry to hear that Marv suffered with cancer. It was always good to visit with him. You were definitely a joy in his life.
Fred and Vernetta Dalbec
Karen (LaBrant) Benediktson says
May Marv’s memory be a blessing to you all. I know his enduring friendship has been that and more for my parents.