Marlin Berreth

After a long, happy and joy filled life, Marlin John Berreth 90, Tappen, North Dakota passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024, at his son’s home in Lisbon, North Dakota. 

Marlin was born on June 14, 1933, in Linton, North Dakota to John and Pauline (Mueller) Berreth. He grew up and attended school in Dawson, North Dakota. 

On August 29, 1955, he married Donna Kelle in Napoleon, North Dakota. To this union, two children were born, their daughter, Lynn, and son, Mark. 

If success is measured at the end of one’s life by the memories left behind in our community, Marlin achieved that success on a grand scale. For 40 years, Marlin and Donna owned and operated Marlins Standard service, right off the I-94 exit in Tappen. From 8:00 am every morning until 10:00 pm every night, seven days a week, you would find him there, with Donna, serving the needs of their community. They were part of every day, of every story, and many of the memories of growing up in Tappen and the surrounding area. He was everyone’s friend, everyone’s Dad, and everyone’s Grandpa. He was everyone’s constant in Tappen. He worked at his station every day, first with Mark and Lynn, then holding hands with his grandchildren and with his great-grandchildren who held his fingers as they learned to walk and helped Papa with his work. And they never left that building without treats from Grandma and Grandpa. His generous spirit and his generous hands helped countless people over the years, all done with a smile and a cup of coffee in his hand.  

Marlin leaves behind his wife of almost 70 years, Donna, Tappen; daughter, Lynn, Bismarck, and his chosen son-in-law, Ross Gordon; son, Mark, Lisbon, and daughter-in-law, Vicki;  his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jennifer Berreth, Ethan Berreth, Lisbon, Aiden Berreth, Gwinner, Sheri Scherbenske and her husband Matt, Minot, and their children, Hannah, Regan, Jonah, and Ainslee, Michelle Gieser and her husband Pat, Bismarck, and their daughter Lily, Steven Berreth and his wife Rikki, Washburn, and their children Callan and Willa; sister-in-law, Bernie Berreth, Bismarck; and many nieces and nephews. 

Waiting to welcome Marlin in heaven are those who passed before him, parents John and Pauline Berreth; son-in-law, Rob Stein; sister, Delores Stroh; brother-in-law, Harold Stroh; brother, Raymond Berreth; nephew, John Berreth; and great-granddaughter, Kailee Scherbenske, who now holds Papa’s fingers as she shows him the miracles of heaven. 

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at St. John’s Church, Tappen.  Family will greet guests one hour prior at the church.