Marlin Robert Sachtjen was born to Robert and Dorothy (Kaiser) Sachtjen on July 26, 1948 in Winner, SD.  He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed on July 10, 1962 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  He attended country schools in Clearfield, Winner and other surrounding schools in the area.  In 1965, his family moved to Burke, SD and he graduated Burke high school in 1966.  He spent much of his childhood traveling SD and surrounding states with his grandparents. During his childhood, Marlin's family and close friends would spend time together fishing on Lake Berry and shore fishing off the Missouri River.  Fishing was a passion he continued to enjoy his entire life.

According to Marlin, he worked all his life.  His amazing work ethic began by standing on the seat of his Dad's pickup, steering it to round up their milk cows with the motor in super low.  He mowed lawns all over Winner, he used his bicycle to tow his mower from place to place.  He often spoke fondly of Don Schramm recalling the time he worked for Schramm Auto changing tires and oil, pumping gas and cleaning the cars that he would later sell.  After moving to Burke, he worked for his Uncle Les at Les's Texaco performing many of the same job duties.  Marlin and Jim Benter (aka Ole and Hymer) went into partnership and bought the Long Branch from the Bennett Family.  After a fire they rebuilt and expanded the Long Branch into a bar and restaurant.  Marlin continued to operate the Long Branch by himself, until he sold it to Tom and Nancy Esterling.

He married Wilma Jean Gnirk on August 10, 1990 in Burke, SD. Shortly after their wedding they moved to Yankton, SD where Marlin was offered a partnership in Phinney's Pub and Casino. They resided there for only a few years until they returned to Burke to reopen the Long Branch.  Marlin ran the Long Branch again until his health began to fail forcing him to sell.  He and Wilma continued to live south of Burke until his death.

In his later years, he and Wilma enjoyed traveling to many states in their RV, fishing, camping, boating and spending time with family. As everyone knows Marlin had a profound love for fishing. His dad taught him everything he needed to know about fishing at a very youthful age. Whenever Marlin had the opportunity he was out on the river. He even made it to Canada for a guy's fishing trip.  Marlin also loved the opportunity to take an overseas trip to France. Marlin was well known for his mouth watering beef jerky that took him many tries before perfecting his secret recipe. If Marlin was nowhere to be found you definitely knew where to find him, his wood shop! Marlin spent countless hours out there putting his creativity into projects. He was awful proud of his "Kings chair" he mastered for himself. Marlin became ill in the middle of 2016 and after many months of fighting he went home to the ultimate fishing hole on August 4, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.  He is survived by Wilma, his brother Duane, Kathy and family. Bobby, JaNell and boys, Barbi, Jon and girls, as well as Becky and girls.  Marlin was loved and cherished by his family, however his influence went beyond family reaching the entire Gregory Co. community.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke.  Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke.  Visitation will be prior to the services at the Church.