On July 12th, 2017 our beloved Della passed away peacefully in Poplar, MT.
Della Mae (Marottek) Colgan was born on February 12th, 1932 to Edna (Damson) and Frank Marottek, Sr. Della was blessed to have a twin brother named Pete whom she loved dearly.
Della attended Arthur School then graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1950. At the age of 10 she told her mom she was going to marry Barlow someday. On June 20th, 1950 Della and Barlow were united in marriage. He was the man of her dreams. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage and 4 wonderful children; Mikey, Tom, Doug, and Joanne. After Jackie, Judy, and Connie’s mother passed away Della became a second mother to them.
For the first few years of marriage they lived on the north side of the river where Barlow ran the ferry. They then moved to the south side where the couple started their love for ranching. Della had a great love for her horses and breaking them to ride. She also loved the life they made together ranching and being able to raise their 4 children in that lifestyle.
She was a woman of many talents. While the kids were going to school Della worked in the lunchroom and later subbed in the Poplar and Brockton schools. She also carried mail around the countryside. One of her greatest talents and accomplishments was working at the Poplar Shopper starting in the 80’s. Della had a love for getting stories and an even bigger love for the friends she made along the way, not only while at the shopper but thru life’s journey. She also had a beautiful talent for sewing, painting, and baking. Della touched the lives of many people and she will be forever loved and missed.
Della is survived by her husband of 67 years Barlow Colgan, Daughters: Mikey (Greg) Rauschendorfer and Joanne (David) Clark; Son: Tom (Marquieta) Colgan; Grandchildren: Pat (Cherry) Colgan, Michael Colgan, Ben Clark, Dustin Rauschendorfer, Gregory (Cheyanne) Rauschendorfer, Adam Colgan, Maryl Colgan, and Alison Colgan; Great Grandchildren: Holly Colgan, Chris Colgan, Kwyn Colgan, Kasey Colgan, Kali Colgan, Ashton Colgan, Kylie Gourneau, and Gentry Rauschendorfer; Nieces: Jackie (Gary) Grainger, Judy Strauser, and Connie Forest; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
She is preceded in death by: parents Edna and Frank Marottek Sr.; Son: Doug Colgan; Twin Brother: Pete Marottek; Brothers: Frank Jr. and Maxwell Marottek; Sisters: Betty Borden and Mildred Cory
A vigil will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. The funeral service will be Monday, July 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. Interment will follow services at the Colgan Family Pen and Key Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday July 16, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes
105 F Street W
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday July 17, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street W
Poplar , MT 59255
Burial
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday July 17, 2017
Colgan Family Pen and Key Cemetery
Colgan Family Ranch
Poplar, MT
Service Schedule
Rosary
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday July 16, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes
105 F Street W
Poplar, Montana 59255
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday July 17, 2017
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
105 F Street W
Poplar , MT 59255
Burial
12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday July 17, 2017
Colgan Family Pen and Key Cemetery
Colgan Family Ranch
Poplar, MT
Greg & Billie Norgaard says
What a kind woman she was. She touched so many lives in her 85 years. Everyone I have talked to about Della passing had interacted with her at some point, and they all had fond memories to share. Our deepest condolences to Dellas family.
Melody Williams says
To Della’s family,
Praying for comfort for your family during time of loss. Della was a sweet lady.
Love and prayers,
Melody Hines Williams
Brother Bede Baldry FSC says
What A wonderful person. She was very supportive of me and my ministry in Poplar. Both Della and Barlow were special to me. Prayers and hugs for family
Nyla and Rocky Braaten says
So sorry for the family. She was a awesome lady,she will be missed. Prayers for the family. Just loved her.
Barbara K. Hansen says
We are sorry for your loss, Barlow and family. It is hard to lose a spouse and a parent. I will always remember Della as a gracious and capable woman.
Anita Scheetz says
Loads of prayers to the family. Della was a grand lady, always with a smile. I feel honored to have known her.
TL Hagadone says
Barlow and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of Della. I always enjoyed bumping into Della and you when ever we crossed paths whether it was at the Legion, at your place, Church or some where else. Take care Barlow.
Gay & Brain Pennington says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of Della. I’ll miss her great smile and not be able too see her when I come home too Poplar, See gave me some great advice when I was going thru my divorce. And I’ll treasure that forever. Della will be miss by everyone who knew her, I love those big heavy blankets she made. She was a very special lady. I wish I could have come home for her funeral except we are short staff. I’ll be thinking of you all and May God Bless you all. My Deepest Sympathy too you all. Della you will always be my heart & I’ll miss you. Until we meet again.
Linda Krone Whitley says
To the Colgan family.
So sorry for your loss of Della. May God be with you all during this most difficult time. May you find the peace she would want for you. She was an awesome woman and truly beautiful lady in every sense of the word. Truly loved her dearly too. You all will be in my prayers.
Linda Krone Whitley says
Dear Colgan family,
So sorry for your loss. Della was an awesome lady. Loved coming back home and visiting with her. She was such a joy to be around.
Sending prayers to all.
Bob & Terry McAnally says
Our sincerest condolences to all of Della’s family and friends. One could always tell she had a beautiful heart and soul. Poplar and all who knew her will miss her.
Phillip and Shirley Dempsen says
Barlow and Family;
So sorry to hear of your loss. Della was a sweet woman, and we appreciated the hospitality that she and Barlow showed to ourselves and our family.
Take care, Barlow.
Trudy Fox says
So sorry to hear that Della has passed. I loved that gal! She was always happy to see you and visit. I know my Dad appreciated all the work she did for him at the Shopper and was so glad when she continued it after he closed the office. Prays and hugs to all of you.
Marvin & Ja'net Goss says
Della, was a wonderful — wonderful lady. It was always so nice when I ran into her and we would chat. She will be missed and thought of. Our sympathy goes to all of her family. Prayers and Hugs.
Dani Lee McGowan says
I had the opportunity and enjoyment of working with Della at the Shopper a couple of summers while visiting dad. She was always business with a smile and a laugh.
Gwen Frerich says
Another great lady has passed away. My prayers will be offered for you all.
Carol lockman simensen says
So very sorry to hear of Della passing away. I always enjoyed running into her around Christmas . She always had a smile on her face and I enjoyed the conversation so much. She will greatly missed.