April 10, 1935, Marilyn E. Breipohl was born in Havre, Montana, and was adopted by William and Bertha McKinley. She attended school in Havre and graduated in 1953. She worked at several jobs in Havre – an attorney’s office, Buttreys as a bookkeeper, Meadow Gold Creamery, Sleeping Buffalo bookkeeper, and organist at the Lutheran Church for 60 years. Robert and Marilyn attended the annual State Soil Conservation Association Conventions where she would assist in registration and always had a joke and giggle for all. They met people from all across Montana. Her favorite job was being a wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother.
She met her husband in a snowball fight on the streets of Havre, where he was attending college. After Robert joined the Army, they continued to date and married on May 25, 1958, in Havre. They moved to the Breipohl farm in Saco in 1958. Robert built their home while they lived with his parents. Over the next 65 years, they raised five children – Sheryl Burnham, Grady (Teresa) Breipohl, Joel (Lori) Breipohl, Cristina (Travis) Leib, and Bill Breipohl. She actively supported the lives of 14 grandchildren: Alex Burnham and Tori Leikam; Carson, Trent, and Nick Breipohl, Jonah Breipohl, Seth Hulett, Brenna Ramberg, Rachel, and Grace Burns; Mariya, Micayla, Will, and Cadence Breipohl. She also delighted in her six great-grandchildren: Taylor and Mason, Taytum and Dixie, Addy and Ryan. She was able to attend the high school graduations of all but three of her grandchildren – that was due to COVID.
Marilyn was an extremely talented quilter. Her quilts were purple ribbon winners at the fair and drew compliments from all. She taught classes and loved to host the Sew & Sew Club. Her yard and garden were her pride and joy. She and Bob tended the roses, vegetable garden, and the beautiful crab apple trees she guarded from pruning. She shared her talents by leading 4-H and teaching adult education classes. She learned to cook after she and Bob married – at first only her brother-in-law would eat her cooking. Eventually, she became an excellent cook due to the input of her greatest critics. Today she has many people who are good cooks due to her guidance. She always added a secret ingredient (Love). The family would sit down to one of her delicious meals, begin eating, and she’d say, “Boy it sure got quiet.”
Grandma was the master of 20 Questions. She called everyone on their birthdays and sang “Happy Birthday.” She was always ready to talk on the phone and keep everyone in the loop. She was the hub of a very large extended family and had a huge circle of friends. At the age of 82, she met her biological family – sister Peggy Workman and brother Frank Speyer. She was delighted to finally know her heritage and to meet another loving, welcoming large family.
Marilyn lived a very full, healthy life and never had any medical issues which was a blessing until her last two weeks. She was able to have wonderful visits with her children and grandchildren before she went to meet her birth mother and have a tall glass of iced water and a good chat with God on Saturday, August 26, 2023. She will be missed by many.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert P. Breipohl, her children, grandchildren, sister Peggy Workman, brother Frank (Joan) Speyer, sisters-in-law Patty Breipohl and Donna Korman, numerous nieces and nephews and her fur friends Burt and Tuff.
Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, at the Saco Lutheran Church with Pastor Doris Tollefson officiating with burial in Grandview Cemetery to follow. A luncheon will follow back at the Lutheran Church. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Saco Lutheran Church
115 Mills Street
Saco, Montana 59261
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Saco Lutheran Church
115 Mills St.
Saco, Montana 59261
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Saco Lutheran Church
115 Mills Street
Saco, Montana 59261
Luncheon
12:30 p.m.
Friday September 1, 2023
Saco Lutheran Church
115 Mills St.
Saco, Montana 59261
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Tenlee Atchison says
Marilyn was a gem of a person and true treasure to all of us in the conservation world. It was a joy to be greeted by her at any event. Heartfelt sympathies to all who called her friend and loved her company. Big hugs to Bob and family. She will be truly missed.
Heidi says
What a shining light. Marilyn’s joy, infectious. Her whit and laughter could make anyone smile. I loved having her at senior meals and our conversations were always a blessing. No matter age difference, Marilyn was a friend. We shared many stories of our adoption journeys, that was a bond I will cherish forever.
I will miss her smile.
Nyoka, Jason, LIbby & Paige Twitchell says
Marilyn was a great lady with a contagious smile, sorry to hear of her passing.
Cecil Sudbrack says
So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was always one to brighten your day and I am sure she was to the whole family and will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers for the family and all of the Saco friends that will also miss her.
Ann Napier says
I have been trying to find the words to express what Marilyn meant to me. I remember her from when we had great times at the Whitaker cabin on the lake, 4-H & so many more. I left Saco many, many years ago but whenever I came home seeing Marilyn & Bob was a must. The last time I was home, I took my brother Tom with me & we went out to their house, it is a visit I will always cherish.
I also remember when they came to Southern California & we all went to dinner at a Japanese restaurant.
I will always remember her laugh & my thoughts are with Bob & all of the family.
Sincerely
Ann Whitaker Napier
Debbie Hammond says
Marilyn is going to be missed by so many who enjoyed her fun-loving wit and her great quilting expertise! I loved her visits to the quilt store and looked forward to her coming! Wishing I could attend the funeral but I will be there in spirit! May you rest in peace Marilyn and hugs to you Bob!
Debbie Hammond
Jeffrey Tiberi says
Marilyn was always my highlight at the annual MACD convention. Somehow she knew I was going to look her way and I always was greeted with a wide smile and twinkling eyes. Her view of life made a lighter day to all who saw her. Her practical advice was always beneficial as we strived to make each convention run smoothly. Her wry wit, my kind of humor,made her fun to be with. Thoughts and prayers are sent to Bob and family. RIP, my friend!
John C Anderson says
Bob and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing, but as fellow followers of Jesus Christ we rejoice knowing that she has completed her assignment in this life and is enjoying the wonders of her new eternal home. There is no doubt in my mind that she heard the phrase “Well done My good and faithful servant” as Jesus welcomed her home.
It has been many years since I have seen you and Marilyn Bob, but seeing her picture again in this obituary reminded me of her welcoming smile as she greeted all who attended MACD Conventions. You were both such a blessing to all of us who were privileged to know you as members of the Conservation District family.
May Jesus hold you and comfort you all,
John Anderson, past president, MACD