Verland 'Tiny' Marquardt, 84
Verland ‘Tiny’ Marquardt, 84
Verland “Tiny” Marquardt passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side.
Tiny was born Jan. 6, 1931, in Kalispell to Ervin and Frances (Sutton) Marquardt. He grew up on the homestead in Lone Pine with his two sisters, Laura Bell and Mona Fae. He attended first grade at Antelope grade school and then went on to Lone Pine grade school, and graduated from Hot Springs High School in Hot Springs.
He started college at the University of Montana in Missoula and was called home to take care of the family ranch in Browns Meadows, Kila, while his parents sought treatment for his mother’s cancer. He would also help his grandparents on their ranch in Smith Valley.
He met his wife Viola at the wedding of his sister, Laura Bell, and Viola's brother, Howard Glazier. Tiny and Viola were married on April 30, 1954, and they made their family ranch in Smith Valley. They had two sons, Edward and Darwin.
Over the years Tiny was active in the Smith Valley Community. He was one of the first members of the Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Batavia School board for many years and was a member of the Smith Valley Grange.
He enjoyed a good game of pinochle and an old fashion kettle of popcorn. His passion was his cows and the ranch. There was always a wave and a smile if you saw him on the road.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mona Fae Cook.
Tiny is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Viola, son Edward, and son Darwin and his wife Trish, all of Kalispell; grandsons, Chad and Cassie Nordtome of Kalispell, and Tucker of Kalispell; great-grandson, Cason, of Kalispell; his sister, Laura Bell Glazier, of Kalispell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thanks goes out to his doctors, hospice and family and friends for their love and support for Tiny.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Tiny’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Tiny’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.