Marvin was born on November 7, 1943, Fairview, MT to Ole and Myrl (Lyon) Kilen. He grew up on the family farm in the Girard Community. He attended grade school at East Lone Butte School, Girard Community and graduated from Sidney High School in 1961. After graduation Marvin attended Eastern Montana College in Billings. He was united in marriage to Pamela “Pam” Hawley, on September 19, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church, Fairview, MT. They made their home on his family’s farm where they continued farming. Marvin worked for Holly Sugar, in the oil field, and for Richland County during the winter months. In 1971, Marvin bought his first backhoe and started Kilen Backhoe Service, which became an additional business to his farming.
Marvin was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church until it closed then became an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fairview. He served on the church council and also taught Sunday School. Marvin was currently serving on the board of Lower Yellowstone Electric. In his younger years, Marvin boxed for Bud Starr in the Fairview Boxing Club and later coached AAU Wresting in Fairview. Marvin loved his family, his extended family, and his dogs, Pounder and Suzy.
Marvin died on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at St. Vincent’s Healthcare, Billings, MT.
He is survived by his wife, Pam Kilen, his two sons, Marlon Kilen and Ken (Connie) Kilen, his brother, Marlo “Piker” Salsbury all of Fairview, MT; his sister, Myrna (Randy) Davis, Sidney, MT; his grandchildren, Tyla Kilen, Bainville, MT and Jacob Kilen, Sidney, MT; special friend, Bill Lewis; honorary grandchildren, Ryan and Marcia Kopp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents; step father, Loyd Salsbury; sister, Janis Whiteman; and several cousins.
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