On July 12 th , 2017 our beloved Della passed away peacefully in Poplar, MT.
Della Mae (Marottek) Colgan was born on February 12 th , 1932 to Edna (Damson) and Frank Marottek, Sr. Della was blessed to have a twin brother named Pete whom she loved dearly.
Della attended Arthur School then graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1950. At the age of 10 she told her mom she was going to marry Barlow someday. On June 20 th , 1950 Della and Barlow were united in marriage. He was the man of her dreams. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage and 4 wonderful children; Mikey, Tom, Doug, and Joanne. After Jackie, Judy, and Connie’s mother passed away Della became a second mother to them.
For the first few years of marriage they lived on the north side of the river where Barlow ran the ferry. They then moved to the south side where the couple started their love for ranching. Della had a great love for her horses and breaking them to ride. She also loved the life they made together ranching and being able to raise their 4 children in that lifestyle.
She was a woman of many talents. While the kids were going to school Della worked in the lunchroom and later subbed in the Poplar and Brockton schools. She also carried mail around the countryside. One of her greatest talents and accomplishments was working at the Poplar Shopper starting in the 80’s. Della had a love for getting stories and an even bigger love for the friends she made along the way, not only while at the shopper but thru life’s journey. She also had a beautiful talent for sewing, painting, and baking. Della touched the lives of many people and she will be forever loved and missed.
Della is survived by her husband of 67 years Barlow Colgan, Daughters: Mikey (Greg) Rauschendorfer and Joanne (David) Clark; Son: Tom (Marquieta) Colgan; Grandchildren: Pat (Cherry) Colgan, Michael Colgan, Ben Clark, Dustin Rauschendorfer, Gregory (Cheyanne) Rauschendorfer, Adam Colgan, Maryl Colgan, and Alison Colgan; Great Grandchildren: Holly Colgan, Chris Colgan, Kwyn Colgan, Kasey Colgan, Kali Colgan, Ashton Colgan, Kylie Gourneau, and Gentry Rauschendorfer; Nieces: Jackie (Gary) Grainger, Judy Strauser, and Connie Forest; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
She is preceded in death by: parents Edna and Frank Marottek Sr.; Son: Doug Colgan; Twin Brother: Pete Marottek; Brothers: Frank Jr. and Maxwell Marottek; Sisters: Betty Borden and Mildred Cory
A vigil will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at 6:00 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. The funeral service will be Monday, July 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. Interment will follow services at the Colgan Family Pen and Key Cemetery.