Marlin was a member of the Notre Dame Catholic Church in Willow City, N. Dakota, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He also was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Bottineau, N. Dakota. He spent many years singing in their choir, which he received so much joy in doing. He also spent several years teaching catechism classes to high schoolers in our family’s basement every Wednesday evening.
Marlin was always very proud of his community and he always worked hard to make it a better place for all. In his younger years he and his siblings would go to barn dances and entertained folks by singing their hearts out. In the 50’s he served our country proudly in the Army during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. On August 2, 1956 he married the love of his life, Lois Knoepfle. Up until she passed away on June 16th 1994, they remained the best of friends, still holding hands on their nightly walks and her sitting right next to him in the pickup like teenagers. Marlin and Lois were farmers of over 4000 acres in Bottineau County. Marlin was a member of the National Farmer’s Organization (NFO), he picketed Washington DC, leading a convoy of tractors to the city for the farmer’s strike and helped close down the Canadian Border for fair grain pricing. They pushed hard for bringing organic farming to the area and the production of gasohol. Many trips were taken around the country and he spoke often to state officials in regards to these issues. Lois also taught school and they both ran the downtown café in Rolette, N. Dakota in the 50’s and 60’s. Marlin owned and operated a fleet of semis- Trails West Trucking. This business hauled grain to the Pacific Ocean to go on to Japan and brought back lumber to N. Dakota. At this time they also had World Wide Enterprises that specialized in organic fertilizers. This was very entrepreneurial in the 70’s! Due to health reasons in the early 80’s they retired from farming, moved into Bottineau and purchased the Napa store, Tri- Farm and Auto Parts. A few years later they also purchased the local Radio Shack. They were so busy all of the time, but then they were introduced to auto racing. He suddenly discovered a much better work/life balance, finally taking off half Saturdays and Sundays. This changed all of our lives. Marlin became a pit-man. Every weekend there were races following “The Junk Yard Dog” from Williston, N. Dakota. When that just wasn’t busy enough, he decided to also sponsor our own car. Hitting the tracks all over N. Dakota, Rapid City, Wyoming, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Marlin and Lois were very involved in getting the dream of a speedway in the Turtle Mountains to a reality. Along with all of this, Marlin enjoyed the Bottineau Eagles Club where they put on huge suppers for the members. He was also a proud member of the Men’s Community Choir for several years. His children’s activities, deer hunting, local politics, the local hockey teams, New Year’s Eve Chili feeds for the patrons of their businesses, dressing up for Halloween and dancing until dawn to the local bands were his favorite things.
A week before COVID struck the world, Marlin moved to Denver to be near his daughter, Lana. They made the most of this time together. It was wonderful being 5 miles away from one another instead of a thousand! He was a fan of all of the Colorado sports and even attended Rockies games. They enjoyed barbeques and dinners at the house and played plenty of old games that had been family favorites. He happily shared his life stories with her neighbors and showed her how to make his famous oyster stew. He always chuckled while “supervising” her yard work stating “I’m retired!”
Marlin, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 3rd at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau, N. Dakota. Father Jared Kadlec will officiate. After the service and burial please join the family for refreshments and remembrances at the Cobblestone Inn, Highway 5 Bottineau.
Marlin is survived by his daughter Lana and son Mark (Nicole). Grandchildren Victoria Milnes, Joshua Mann, Morgan Twete (Jordan), Madison (Josh) and Maci Cote. Sister Luwanna Gibbs (Chuck) and brothers Donald and Dorence (Sharon). Sisters in law Diane Cote, Maxine Schultz and Barb Knoepfle. Brother in law Kenny Knoepfle. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lois. His companion Mary Knoepfle, his infant sister Barbara Cote, sisters Therese Reamer and Deloris Norrell and also a brother Gayland. Sisters in law Vivian Schultz, Marge Cote and Rosie Knoepfle. Brothers in law Howard Bradley, Stan Norrell, Bill Schultz, Merle Schultz, Clayton Knoepfle and Maurice Knoepfle. Niece Bonnie Knoepfle and nephew Robert Cote.
A life well lived, full of treasured memories he made with family and friends.
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