Marion Hartse

Funeral services for Marion Hartse, 92, of Baker, will be at 11:00 a. m. , Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT with Pastor Rod Kilsdonk officiating. Burial will follow at Bonnievale Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p. m. to 7:00 p. m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home. Marion E. Hartse passed peacefully with his family at his side August 18, 2016. Marion was born in Carlyle, MT, August 7, 1924, to Edwin and Sadie Ellenbaum Hartse. He spent his early years on the farm, working and doing odd jobs to help support his family. He left school early, joined the Navy, and served on the Saginaw Bay escort ship in WWII. He and Lila Mengel married in 1946. He worked for the Montana highway dept. and settled back in Baker in 1955. He owned M&H Redi Mix & Construction and was an entrepreneurial success story. He added steel building erection to his offerings and the business exploded. He was on the go sun up to sun down and the rest is history. Marion and Lila had 5 daughters; Lucy, Shirley, Marilyn, Ellen and Roberta. In 1975, Lila succumbed to cancer. He ensured she got the best care possible and stayed at her side until the end. Marion met Esther Geving and they married in 1977. His family grew with the addition of Esther’s children, Barb Roberts and John Geving. His continued business success afforded them the opportunity to travel which they so enjoyed. Esther encouraged Marion to join Assembly of God church which was an integral part of their lives. Marion attended to Esther as she battled congestive heart failure. She passed on in 2006. He endured tragic events with the loss of his daughters Shirley and Ellen, and his wives; health issues; and accidents. He taught his employees, led by example, and worked hard — a true salesman and a clever negotiator. His drive and spirit were admirable, he was a jokester and a tease, his ingenuity was notable, and he was generous. He enjoyed visiting. His Baker and Montana pride was often a topic of conversation, breaking down barriers, and leaving lasting impressions on so many people. He never met a stranger. He was proud and appreciative of his family’s commitment to him; he has been a fixture in Oklahoma and Connecticut since 2006. He auctioned off his business at the age of 89 and that gave him time to spend with his family, meet people, and charm everyone. He looked forward to summers so he could have his freedom in his beloved home in Baker. As such, he was in Baker for a visit this summer when he had a stroke and peacefully joined his Savior. Marion is survived by his daughters: Lucille (Don) Brown, Greenwich, CT; Marilyn (Robert) Boone, Mannford, OK; and Roberta (Matt) Peake, Broken Arrow, OK; step children: Barbara (Butch) Roberts, Wibaux, MT; and John (DeeDee) Geving, Baker, MT; grandchildren: Donald Brown, Jr; Stacey Brown; Jennifer Hennessey; Nicholas Boone; Barrett Dailey, III; Brooke Dailey; Ryan Peake; Ron Roberts; Patsy Croy; Jerrid Geving; Britney Lyson; and Preston Geving; and 11 great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Evelyn Morrison; Irene Grenstiner Sherman; Gloria Hepperle. He was preceded in death by his parents; wives: Lila and Esther; daughters: Shirley Hartse and Ellen Dailey; granddaughter: Christine Boone. He was a driving force, a truly remarkable man, and a treasure to many. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions, honoring Marion Hartse, be sent to The Assembly of God Church, Baker, MT 59313. Cards expressing sympathy may be sent to The Hartse Family, PO Box 1175, Baker, MT 59313.


Burial Date: August 25, 2016
Church Stevenson Funeral Home

Funeral Services: Thursday, Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT