Marvin Odell Mathiason, 79
Marvin Odell Mathiason, 79, passed away on February 15, 2015 at his home in East Grand Forks, Minnesota after a courageous battle with cancer.
Marvin was born on May 10, 1935 in Warren, MN, to Alvin and Mabel (Gehrls) Mathiason. Marvin grew up in the Warren area and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls High School in 1953. On June 15, 1955 he married Eileen Larson. Following their marriage, Marvin and Eileen lived in Warren where Marvin worked at Warren Grain and Seed. In 1965 Marvin and Eileen moved to Key West, MN where he worked for Driscoll Grain Co. for ten years. During the next ten years he worked as a manager for Farmers Elevator Co. in East Grand Forks, MN. He had several jobs after that and ended his working life at Simplot Soil Builders in East Grand Forks. After his retirement, he enjoyed farming for his neighbor friends, the Love family. Marvin and Eileen sold their county home near Key West after his cancer diagnosis and moved into the Good Samaritan Heritage Grove apartments in East Grand Forks, MN.
Marvin was a member of the First Church of God of Grand Forks, ND. He was involved in many community activities. Marvin was Chairman of the School Board for the Fisher School District for 8 years; was on the Board of Trusties for his church for 32 years; and was a board member of the Red River Valley Vocational Center School in East Grand Forks. Marvin loved attending all sporting and musical events of his 5 children; snowmobiling; playing whist; bowling, following the MN Vikings and Twins, and, of course, putting together numerous jigsaw puzzles! He took his family on many vacations and summer stays in Detroit Lakes. His love for the Lord was evident and grew stronger as he grew older. His favorite pastime was spending it with family, particularly his children and grandchildren.
Marvin is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Eileen; his children (the 5 J’s): Judy (Merle) Shuck, Kennedy, MN; James, Grand Forks, ND; Jerry (Kim), East Grand Forks, MN; Janelle (Al) Hogenson, West Fargo, ND; and Jon (Rita), Greenfield, MN; 12 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren; a brother, Allard (Barbara), Seattle, Washington and a sister, Muriel (Richard) Bland, Bradenton, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Alice.
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 in Hope Evangelical Covenant Church, 1601 17th Ave. S., Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 in Hope Evangelical Covenant Church and also one hour prior Funeral Service on Wednesday.
Interment: Greenwood Cemetery ~ Warren, MN ~ Spring 2015
Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com
Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home ~ East Grand Forks, Minnesota
