Marlene Fisher, 77, Sidney, MT

Mass of the Christian burial was held Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Charlie Creek, MT, with Father Jim O'Neil officiating. Visitation was on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 from 4-6 p.m. at Fulkerson-Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Sidney, MT. Wake services were held on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Fulkerson-Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Sidney, MT. Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home, Sidney, MT is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Marlene Kay Leischner Fisher was born to William "Bill" and Mabel Leischner on Sept. 8, 1945, in Miles City, MT.

After graduating high school, she went on and received her teaching certificate from Miles City Community College after two years. It was then when she accepted a teaching position teaching first, second and third grades for one year at the Spring Lake Country School in Richland County before getting set up on a blind date with who would end up being her husband.

Mike and Marlene were set up by their friends Donny and JoAnn Rosaaen in 1966 and in Mike's words – "The rest was history." They were wed on Jan. 28, 1967, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Miles City, MT. Marlene's family had their doubts and said they wouldn't last a year, but 56 years later here we are. To this union came Chelley in 1970 and then by surprise came Missy, 17 months later in November 1971.

Marlene served as St. Bernard's Altar Society secretary-treasurer for 35 years. Mike and Marlene drove school bus for 13 years. It was not long after Missy was born that Marlene would start selling Avon. She was known as the local Charley Creek Avon lady for roughly 40 years or more. She not only loved doing it as a hobby, but she also loved getting to visit the neighbor ladies and made many lifelong friends. They would rummage through her Avon bag while often enjoying a cold beverage and snack.

Marlene then substituted off and on at the school before taking a full-time teachers' aide position in the special ed room. By the time she retired she had dedicated 30 years to Poplar Schools.

Marlene's life really started when Sam and Ty came into this world in 1994 and 1997. They were her true pride and joy. Mike and Marlene traveled all over eastern Montana to watch them in baseball, softball, and other school activities. They never missed a thing and enjoyed many summer trips with the kids as they spent many summers with them while they grew up.

She may have enjoyed her grandchildren, but her great granddaughters, Leighton and Laynie, also brought her so much pride and joy. She loved the chaos they brought to the house when they visited. We truly believe they are what kept her going during her final years.

In January 2021 Marlene suffered a massive stroke and was flown to Fargo, ND, where she was treated, then she was sent to Billings, MT, for rehab therapy. That was the start of all the therapy and hospital visits related to the stroke.

Marlene gained her angel wings peacefully on the morning of Aug. 25, 2023, in her home, with Mike, Chelley, and Missy by her side.

Marlene is survived by her husband Mike, Sidney; daughters Chelley, Charley Creek and Missy, Culbertson; granddaughter Samantha (Jimmy), Culbertson; grandson Ty (Gracie), Charley Creek; great granddaughters Leighton and Laynie; half-brothers Casper and Gordon Berger; brother in-law Jerry (Linda) Fisher; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Mabel Leischner; stepfather Casper Berger; brothers Keith Leischner and Bill Leischner; sister-in-law Ann Leischner; sister Mary Lou Schmidt; brother-in-law Ervin Schmidt; mother and father-in-law Mary and George Fisher; brother and sister in law Dan and Cherie Fisher; along with numerous niece and nephews.