Marvin Leonard Meyer was born in Helena, Montana on June 7, 1931 to Henry and Agnes Riis-Meyer. On the evening of February 12, 2018 Marvin peacefully went to his heavenly home after a hard struggle with dementia.
He spent his childhood years on the Winston range raised by his father and several aunts and uncles. He inherited his father’s work ethic working summers in Seattle and Spokane in the horse racing industry where he established his love for horse racing and rodeo.
Marvin served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He came home on military leave in 1952 to marry his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Bristow. Three sons, Mark, Matt and Mike came from this union.
In their early years, Marvin and Mary Lou owned and operated a trucking business that took him away from his family. He then worked many years in the Townsend school system and later owned and operated the Townsend school buses. During this time, he touched the lives of many Townsend area students and athletes who continue to speak of him fondly.
In retirement, Marv and Mary Lou enjoyed fifteen years of wintering in Arizona. They spent their summers camping and fishing alongside Montana lakes with family and friends before Mary Lou’s death in the Spring of 2013.
He was known for his quick wit, card games and sharp negotiation skills. His greatest satisfaction came when he was helping other people. The final years of his life were spent caring for widows and elderly people in need of transportation, medical equipment, lawn mowing, repair work or a good laugh. His family will remember him for his integrity, unselfish love and ability to make us laugh. A piece of us went to Heaven with Dad this week.
Marvin was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, parents Hank and Agnes Riss-Meyer, his step-mother Irma, brother Fred Meyer, sisters Jean Meyer and Lynn Nemsgren. He is survived by his sons Mark (Lianne), Matt (Tonda), and Mike (Alice), eleven grandchildren; Clint (Tiffany) Meyer, Keirstin Bristow, Michelle (Greg) Scott, Brad Tillett, Holly (Jim) Dyk, Tracy (Derek) Mahlum, Logan Meyer, Kyle Meyer, Kelsey Meyer, Maggie Meyer, and Isaac Meyer as well as thirteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother, Jay (Colleen) Meyer and sister Trudy (Barry) McLean.
The family would like to thank the staff at Touchmark and Renissance Senior Care for maintaining their sense of humor and loving touch while caring for Dad.
A time to sign the condolence book for Marvin is set from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 212 Broadway, Townsend, followed by a Vigil Service scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 101 S. Walnut St., Townsend. A Funeral Mass is set for 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 16, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Townsend. A Reception will be held at the church after the burial. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department for which Marvin served proudly for twenty years. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Marvin.
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 15, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the burial
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday February 15, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial with Military Honors
After the Mass
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the burial
Friday February 16, 2018
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S. Walnut St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Steve Sautter says
To the “neighbor kids” Mark, Matt, and Mike our thoughts and condolences to you and your families. We all will miss your Dad, our friend.
Steve and Jean Sautter
Anita Fasbender says
Matt and Tonda,
Thinking of you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers with you and the family.
Anita Fasbender
Vivienne Herron says
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matt, and your family. I think of all the fun we had with Helen & Del and your folks fishing & camping at Tiber, and at the family gatherings at Canyon Ferry. Your dad was a very special fella. He and the others will really be missed. May the Lord bless and keep you all. Prayers. ? Vivienne Herron
Shannon says
Sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing your dad’s smile when he came into the office for his appointments.
~shannon~
Steve & Laurie Gustaf says
Matt & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. You have our deepest condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Steve & Laurie Gustaf
John Murray says
We have great memories of Marvin and Mary Lou and family at the Silos.God speed to them.
Paul Holland says
Sorry to the Meyer family…your Dad was one of the good guys and great suppport for us kids! Prayers of peace for you all.
Sharie Babb says
Our condolences to your family. Praying for peace for all of you.
Gary Wogamon says
Mark, Matt, Mike, and families, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of your Dad from when we were just little kids getting into trouble, teenage angels, and then some. He always greeted me with a smile and a handshake. He was truly one of the good guys, and he will be missed! My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sincerely,
Gary Wogamon
Russ Cleveland says
What a great man and fine example for all of us to follow. He will surely be missed by us all but especially the fine family he raised. God Bless Marv, Mary Lou and the Meyer family. Love Russ and Gayla Cleveland
Mitchell Stocks says
Mark, Matt, Mike and Families,
Your Dad is a Townsend icon. He will be greatly missed. Prayers of peace from our family to yours.
With condolences,
Sharon Chou and Mitch Stocks
Aubra and Lee Lewis says
I remember him walking up and down the halls of Cecelia Hazelton and driving bus. I always thought he was so funny. I have missed running into him on my summer walks by his house. What a great guy. Prayers for all of you.
Myrna Clark says
Mark, Matt, & Mike. I’m so sorry for the loss. I know there is a very large welcoming committee at heavens door and I’m sure Corkey is asking him what took you so long, I’ve been waiting 10 years for you. I am sorry I won’t make it to the services as I am in Arizona. Please know I will be thinking of all of you and saying a prayer asking God to wrap his comforting arms around you
Myrna.
Scott Olsen says
To the Meyers family, so sorry for the loss of Marvin. We are thinking and praying for you in this tough time. I always remember Marvin driving the buses. Townsend has lost one of its finest!
Dana Rauser says
Mark, Mattand Mike,
Sorry for your loss, Marv always had time to talk when you saw him somewhere on the street. He and my mother had a great working relationship. It was great to know him.
Pat Welch says
Mike, Matt, Mark and families,
How sad to hear this news. I will always have great memories of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and I hope that your own memories will ease the pain of your loss.
Ward and Sherry Scoffield says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We thought a lot of Marvin.. and Mary Lou. I had daily contact with Marvin at the school for many years.
Cindy Kirksey Fretheim says
Matt, Mark and Mike, Sincere condolences and prayers for all of your family. Marvin was a very special guy. When my mom lived across the street from Fred and Joye we often saw Marvin mowing their lawn and taking care of things for them. He was definitely one of the good guys! May God comfort you with His peace .
Patti (Field) Grosfield says
Mike, Matt, Mark, family and friends,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Marvin was a great guy, and touched so many people with his kindness and sense of humor. He lives on through you, and I’m sure you will do him and Mary Lou proud! Treasure those wonderful memories…..and there are many.
Kim Kondelik says
Matt, Mark and Mike, so sorry for your loss. Marvin was a wonderful man, always helping everyone else and always on the go. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and talking to him on the days he came in for coffee. Lots of good memories. Prayers to all of your family.