Dean Marquardt
courtesy photo
Dean Marquardt
BILLINGS — Dean Thomas Marquardt, 63, passed away July 15, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. Dean was born June 11, 1954, in St. Ignatius, to Royal and Ruth Marquardt. He was the youngest of five siblings.
Dean graduated from Charlo High School in 1972 before accepting a scholarship to the University of Montana in Dillon for football. Dean married the love of his life, Kathy Phillips, on April 5, 1980, and welcomed two daughters, Kristi and Kelly. Dean and Kathy spent 37 wonderful years together and have enjoyed their time with granddaughters, Brooklyn and Lyla.
Dean was an insulator by trade, working with Star Service and later for REC Silcion in Butte at the end of his career. Dean worked hard for his family, often traveling around the state for work but never failing to make it home for family events and the softball season.
Dean led a storied career in sports from the regional Punt Pass and Kick competition three years running to an undefeated high school football career as a Charlo Viking. Dean was also named MVP in 1981 at the Class-A Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a dedicated coach, leading his daughters to multiple Little League City Championships and lending his expertise to Butte Central as a member of the coaching staff. While always being a fierce competitor himself, Dean had a passion for nurturing young athletes with a gentle, guiding hand. In his spare time, Dean loved to golf with friends spanning golf with Bud at Fairmont to the boys at Pryor. He cherished his friendships and once Dean called you friend, you had a loyal friend for a lifetime.
Dean’s wife, Kathy; daughters, Kristi and Kelly; and granddaughters, Brooklyn and Lyla; and brothers, Bob (Glenda), Duane, Lonnie (Dede); and sister, Patricia (Lawrence), survive him.
Dean’s life will be celebrated at the Shrine Auditorium on July 29, 2017, from 1- 3 p.m. Dean had many friends and family in the Flathead Valley and as such, a second celebration will be held on Aug. 5, 2017, at 5 p.m. in the home of Lloyd and Jo Ann Phillips.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared by visiting: smithfuneralchapels.com.
