Orlie P. Linn

Orlie P. Linn, 89, an Army WWII veteran, POW and rancher of Saco, died Wednesday, June 25, 2014.

He was born Sept. 28, 1924, in Mowquea, Ill., the son of Harry and Mintha (Perry) Linn. He and his two sisters and three brothers made their home in small town Illinois. After serving in WWII, he and Ed Pekovitch were traveling through Montana when their vehicle broke down in Saco. They both went to work for local ranchers and married local women.

Orlie went to work for Dann Garrison on the ranch and then married Pamela Garrison on July 21, 1951. He was active in community affairs. He served as Chief of Police for Saco as well as a deputy sheriff for Phillips County for many years. He was an instructor of Hunter Safety and Rifle Club for over 25 years. He was also active with Phillips County TV Board, American Red Cross and 4-H leadership. He was an active member of the American Legion and VFW for over 60 years. He proudly served as Commander for Saco Legion Post #79 for many years.

Orlie was also one of the original founders of Saco Fun Days sponsored by the Saco Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in all aspects of the event as well as providing rides on the ferris wheel, and the last 10 years was in charge of picking the Grand Marshal.

He took over running the ranch after Dann and Florence Garrison retired. He was a very competent mechanic, capable of repairing all things. He was very inventive and was a good horseman. He held the record for the ½ mile at the Glasgow Racetrack.

He and Pam also square danced and Orlie was a caller. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, singing, playing harmonica and music. He and his family were all avid amateur ham radio operators. He and Pam have been operators for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers, and an infant twin son and daughter.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela D. Linn, of Saco; one son, Donni Linn and his wife, Terri, of Saco; one daughter, Joy Linn, of Saco; one granddaughter, Kimberly Guardipee and her husband, Tim, of Great Falls; one grandson, Brian Linn, of Saco; and three great-grandchildren, Isaac, Isabella and Aaron Guardipee of Great Falls.

Military graveside honors were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the Grandview Cemetery in Saco. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Spokane. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.