January 19th, 2022

Kenneth Dean Johnson
On January 8, 2022, Kenneth Dean Johnson passed away at his home in Deer Lodge, Montana surrounded by his four children and family at the age of 75.  Ken was born in Deer Lodge on November 14, 1946, to Allen Palmer Johnson and Marian Ruth (Christoffersen) Johnson.  
He graduated from Powell County High School in 1965.  After accepting a full-ride scholarship to play basketball at Montana State University, he transferred to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, and graduated with a BA in 1969.  Ken then began his career in education, teaching, and coaching.  After leaving education, he became the proud owner/operator of Captain’s Quarters Dry Stak Marina in Le Claire, Iowa for 25 years.  Ken returned to his beloved hometown, residing near his family’s ranch, in his beautiful log cabin built on their original homestead.  He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, hunting, fishing, collecting horns, working on the family ranch, and tending to his land. Throughout those years, he spent time traveling and capturing pictures of beautiful scenery and special moments with loved ones.  
In his later years, he found a passion for gathering Montana moss agates, tumbling and polishing them to perfection with his significant other Barb Simonsen.  Ken was a devoted father and grandfather who made many trips to the midwest to spend time with his children and grandchildren.  He will always be remembered as an advisor, role model, listener, and supporter of all their activities.
Ken is survived by his four loving children and 12 grandchildren Tonja Lynelle Ross (Logan, Connor), Dean Allen Johnson (Chloe, Madelyn, Mason), Kyle Robert and (Kari) Johnson (Koby, Tyson, Kendal, Trey, Presley), Austin Shane and (Adrienne) Johnson (Arley, Parker); and his four siblings John Johnson, Kay and (Carl) Hoyt, Dave and (Barb) Johnson, Cindy Clawson; and many nieces and nephews.  Ken was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Marian Johnson.  
A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 15th. Ken was laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery, next to his parents. Condolences may be mailed to Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services, 2009 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701 and will be forwarded to Ken’s family. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Ken.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Ken and his family.

---

Darlene Carol Jacobsen Marsh
The love of Orin’s life, Darlene Carol Jacobsen Marsh, passed away unexpectedly December 26, 2021 after dealing with a number of illnesses.  Darlene was born January 23, 1951 to Harry & Dorothy Jacobsen in Deer Lodge Montana.  Where she grew up and attended various schools, graduating from Powell County High School.  After graduation she worked for a short time in Butte before heading to Albuquerque, NM to join the Job Corp.  While there she earned multiple certificates upon her graduation.  She then returned to Montana taking a job at the Boulder River School and Hospital, where she worked with the deaf and blind, eventually meeting the love of her life, Orin Marsh.  They were married June 12, 1976.  Together over the next four years fostered six children.  They were then blessed with the birth of their only child, Crispin, on May 18, 1980.  Only 20 minutes after Mount Saint Helen’s first blew.  During their time together they also had 15 dogs, as she was an avid dog lover.  Darlene worked various jobs around the town of Boulder before going back to school for accounting, where she graduated with an associate’s degree in 1998.  Her first grandchild was born 2002, Ethan Marsh, followed by Jordan Marsh in 2005.  Besides doing whatever she could for her grandchildren, she loved to read mystery romance novels, watch the news and HGTV to get ideas to improve her home.  
She is preceded in death by both parents, an infant sister Marlene, brother-in-law Ralph Hult and niece Hollie Hult.  She is survived by her husband Orin Marsh, son Crispin (Heather) Marsh, grandchildren Ethan Marsh and Jordan Marsh.  Sisters Jolene Hult and Kathy (Tom) McElderry and their children, Heather (Tripp) Mincey, Corrie Hult (Pat), Janay (Garrett) Karnath, and three great nephews.   Also special friends, Dean and Connie Grenz and Peggy Bouldry.
Services will be held January 23, 2022 at Boulder United Methodist Church in Boulder, MT at 2pm.  

---