Vincent Joseph Marko

Vincent Joseph Marko, aged 85, passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 26, 2024. Vince was born on July 3, 1939, to Joseph F. and Elizabeth Lucille (Kohut) Marko in Great Falls, Montana. After completing his schooling at Selstrom school near Stockett, Montana, he helped on his mother’s family farm and ranching to support his mother and siblings.

In 1959, Vince met his wife of 54 years, Maureen Murnion at a country dance at Smith River Hall. After a long courtship, they were married on June 6, 1970. They were blessed with their first child, Stacy Corrine (Mark Allen) on November 14, 1971, and then joined by their son, Jason Joseph (Lisa) on April 29, 1976.

He worked various jobs until April 1962 when he started a 33-year long career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge. In 1972, they bought property on the Smith River at the Castle Bar Properties. Upon retiring in 1995, Vince and Maureen spent most of their time there.

Vince did not know the meaning of retirement. He was a man of many trades and ended up doing general contracting after his retirement. Vince helped build homes, including his daughter’s first home, cabins, and many other various projects all around Montana and up on the Smith. He was a perfectionist of his work and took pride in all that he did, especially helping others.

Vince was a kind and loving man with a generous heart and always had a helping hand. He loved hunting, fishing, and was a genius problem solver. He found true enjoyment and relaxation in mowing acres of lawns for family and friends.

He was a son, father, and Papa to seven grandkids, Brandon Allen, Megan Allen, Austin Macklin, Tayler Macklin, Patrick Marko, Elizabeth Marko, and Zachary Marko.

Vince is survived by his wife, Maureen; daughter, Stacy Allen and son in-law, Mark Allen; son, Jason Marko and daughter-in-law, Lisa Marko; brother, Jerry Marko of Glendale, Arizona; sister, Joann Falls of Great Falls, Montana; seven grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vince was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. Marko and Elizabeth L. Marko; brother, Leo Marko; and sisters, Eilene Drazich and Jean Childress.

Forever and always our cowboy.

Funeral services will be December 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel in Great Falls, Montana with a reception to follow at the Cascade Conservation District.