Marilyn Faye Gottlob Michels

Marilyn Faye Gottlob Michels, 93, was welcomed into God’s kingdom on August 6, 2023. She was surrounded by her family and led in prayer by Chaplain Brennan. Marilyn was born to Frank and Matilda Gottlob on January 24, 1930. She was the oldest of three siblings who grew up in Bridger Canyon and later moved to Bozeman.  She attended Montana State University and graduated with a degree in Home Economics. On June 28, 1952, she married Elvin Michels and they relocated to the Great Falls area.

Marilyn was a stay-at-home mother and raised five children. She took her motherhood to heart and made sure that her children participated in a full range of activities and helped with homework. She never learned to swim but made sure each of her offspring took lessons and were not afraid of water. She assisted with Camp Fire Girls and was a 4-H leader. She volunteered in the Home Economics Building at the State Fair for many years with exhibits and judging. Marilyn also served on the Montana Supreme Court to determine which cases would be tried in the high court. She was a member of St. Luke’s Parish which later became Corpus Christi. There she sang in the choir, was a member of bible studies including the Legion of Mary and served the Lord in various capacities.

Just out of college, she taught at Belt and Highwood Schools. After her children went to school, she worked part time first keeping books for her father-in-law at Michels Garage, Lumber Yard Supply, and Glacier State Electric. Later, she worked as a cashier and an instructional aide for the Great Falls Public Schools. Marilyn then returned to college and did coursework to become a special education teacher and taught for Highwood from 1983-1994.

Marilyn will be remembered for her big heart. She was always kind to the family dogs and daily fed the birds who lived in her yard. She was a caretaker for family members when they suffered chronic diseases. This included her husband, father-in-law, Edward Michels, and her brothers-in-law, Bud and Del. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and traveled to many places especially in her retirement. She volunteered at the Great Falls Visitors’ Center for many years.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Elvin; sister, Betty Thompson; and brother, Frank Gottlob. In addition to the brothers-in-law, Bud, Del, and Bernard Michels. She is survived by her sister, Kathryn Grapes, Everett, WA; and brother-in-law, Vern Michels, NYC.  Her children also survive her. They are Ed Michels, Great Falls, Melanie (Frank)Hallett, Clancy, Steve Michels, Raynesford, Laurie Deckert (Brett Lambert) Longmont, CO, and Tim (Joni) Michels, Spokane, WA.  She also has 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, Great Falls Humane Society, or Corpus Christi Catholic Church.