Marlene Sundt

Marlene Louise (DeCock) Sundt

Marlene Louise (DeCock) Sundt, 88, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital, of natural causes.

She was born on August 23, 1935, in Forsyth, Montana to Oscar and Mary Margaret (Pearson) DeCock. Marlene was the first of her parents' six children; brothers Gary, Jerry James (Jim), Terry Robert (Bob), and sisters Clara (Joyce) and Sharon. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Hysham where she lent a helping hand in caring for her younger siblings.

She attended Hysham High School and graduated in 1953. Once her sister Joyce also graduated, they both moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Home Economics in June of 1960.

 She met her husband of 62 years, John (Jack) Sundt, at a dance held at the Sanders Gym near Hysham in 1958. They united in marriage on October 1, 1961, in Forsyth.

Marlene had a rewarding career as a teacher at various schools in Big Timber, Kalispell, and Dillon. Following the birth of her first child, she stepped away from her teaching career to devote her time to raising her four children. Upon her youngest child beginning Kindergarten, she began a career in retail, selling jewelry at Labelle’s in Missoula. She continued her career in jewelry sales once Labelle’s was bought out by Best, working there from the day it opened until it closed. Along the way, she obtained several professional jewelry credential certificates.

Marlene’s greatest enjoyments in life were spent surrounded by her family. Following her professional career, she cared for her grandchildren during the daytime. She particularly enjoyed attending their various sporting events. Her grandchildren always knew grandma was in the stands when they would hear her shout ‘woo-woo!’ after a hit or score.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Margaret, infant sister Sharon, sister Joyce, brother Bob, in-laws John and Myrtle Sundt, and sister-in-law Cathy (Sundt) Corcoran.

She is survived by her husband Jack Sundt; children Marla (Sundt) Schild, Jana (Dean) Ward, Vonda Sundt, and Dirk (Sarah) Sundt; grandchildren Garett (Bailey) Schild, Payton (Carly) Schild, Quentin (Nicole) Ward, Drake Ward, Jade (Stephan) Delplanche, Sloane Sundt, and Tate Sundt; great-grandson, Grady Schild; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Marlene’s wonderful life will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue West, in Missoula, at 10:30 AM on March 2nd. Pastor David Johnson will be officiating with a reception following the service at the First Lutheran Fellowship Hall. Graveside services will follow the reception at the Missoula City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.