John Michael “Jack” Marrinan
John Michael “Jack” Marrinan, 89, left this earth for the rolling green prairies beyond St. Peter’s gates. He passed away on June 23, 2011 in Ronan after a short illness.
The son of an Irish immigrant, Jack was born on October 22, 1921 to Michael and Anna (Holland) Marrinan. He grew up on Camas Prairie along with his older sister Mary and numerous cousins from the Holland clan. Jack attended school at Camas Prairie and in 1941 graduated from Hot Springs High School. While attending school at Hot Springs, he met his future wife, Marvel Carr, whom he married on October 4, 1947. Jack and Marvel spent the better part of 63 years together managing the family homestead, raising alfalfa, grain, cattle and six children. He was a strong proponent of quality education and served many years on local school boards. He took great pride in the fact that all of his children received college degrees.
Jack spent many an hour behind the wheel of a John Deere tractor. Not only was this his job, it was also one of his favorite things to do, especially if he was laying out a nice windrow of alfalfa behind him. Other occupations included working nights at the Diehl Lumber Mill in Plains as well as operating a school bus that served the Camas Prairie District for many years.
Jack lived on Camas Prairie until his declining health necessitated a move to Polson and later Ronan. Jack was a kind, gracious and gentle soul who will be missed by all. Preceding Jack in death were his parents and his sister Mary Farmer.
Jack is survived by his loving wife Marvel, sons Michael (Peggy) Marrinan, Hot Springs, Patrick (Debbie) Marrinan, Anderson, Ind., Tom (Jodi) Marrinan, Polson, daughters Darlene (Donnie) Bestwick, Whitefish, Jo Ann Bowers, Polson, and Colleen (Jim) McKenzie, Livingston, twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and niece Judy Granston.
Vigil service will be held at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 6th Ave East, Polson, June 26 at 7 p.m. with visitation from 5 to 7 p. m. Funeral services will follow on Monday June 27, 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Nursing Home Foundation, Ronan, or the Camas Prairie Neighbors Fund c/o Dale Neiman, 250 Camas Creek Rd, Plains MT 59859 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
