Marlin Odell Forthun

1927-2017

Marlin (Lynn) Odell Forthun, 90 years old, passed away Christmas morning 2017 in his home in Napa California, surrounded by the ones he loved. Upon finding out he was ill, he was able to spend the last few months of his life with his family by his side.

Marlin, or Lynn as most knew him, was born to Lisa and Melvin Forthun amidst a blizzard on a farm in Columbus North Dakota. He later moved to Vallejo, California during WWII and resided there for 17 years. During that time Lynn married Janet Forthun (Costa) in January 1956 and they welcomed their first child Cheryl Murray (Forthun) in December that same year. They later welcomed their son Jeffery Forthun in 1959. The family moved to Napa California in 1960 where they have all remained.

Marlin worked at the Mare Island Shipyard for 41 years. He started as an electrician and later moved to scheduling, retiring from the production control branch in 1984. Marlin served in the US Navy in 1945 and 1946. He was very involved and deeply committed to the San Pablo Odd Fellows Lodge #43 and was a member there for almost 70 years. He served as a very thorough secretary for the lodge for many years and served as a Noble Grand. He helped to see the lodge through some hard times with declining membership by going to the lodge in Vallejo every week to keep the lodge running until a new generation was able to come forth.

Marlin is known to all for his kindness and is often referred to as “the nicest man in the world”. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and would put a smile on everyone’s face. He loved his coffee and always made sure to enjoy every cup. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a truly wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

Marlin was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Lisa Forthun, and sisters Helen Dewing and Lyla Rollofson.

Marlin is survived by his wife Janet Forthun (Costa), brothers and sister- in-law Lydell Forthun, Vernell Forthun, and Donna Forthun. His children and spouses Jeff Forthun, Cheryl Murray (Forthun) and Sean Murray, grandchildren and spouses Brandon Forthun, Shayla Newman (Murray) and Abe Newman, great-granddaughter Addison Newman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be holding a private burial but request your presence at a Celebration of Life on January 13, 2018 at his daughter’s house 1311 Thomas drive Napa ca 94558 from 1:00pm-3:00pm.

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