Marvin Holmen

On March 15 2010, our loving Father, Grandfather and Friend, Marvin A Holmen passed away at the age of 91.  Marvin lived a long life full of travels, woodworking, sailing, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and of simple joys, specifically his family. Marvin was a very civic minded man, active in Kiwanis, City Boards and his church, Faith Lutheran, and held leadership positions within both organizations.

Marvin was born on August 18, 1918 to Ole and Berthine Holmen in Fergus Falls MN ; where he was raised with his two brothers, Orrie and Bennett.  He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and graduated from Fergus Falls High School . Upon graduation in 1936, Marvin went to work for Ottertail Power Company, which became his lifelong employer for over 45 years. He retired in 1983 in Morris, having worked for Ottertail in Fergus Falls , Langdon. ND, Rugby , ND , Crookston , MN and finally Morris , MN .

Marvin was called for duty in WWII where he served in the European theater, being present during D Day+2.  He entered into the army as a private and by the end of the war earned the highest rank of an enlisted serviceman as Sergeant First Class; as well as receiving the Bronze Star for valor. He remained in the National Guard and was again called to serve his country during the Korean Conflict when he served as a company commander of a training unit at Camp Rucker , Alabama .

Marvin was married on August 20, 1943 to Aldene Schmickle in Cheyenne , Wyoming .  Their family was complete upon the births of his daughter, Sandra Lee and son, James Marvin Holmen. Aldene died on December 9, 1965. Marvin married Margie Iverson on June 8 1969 and they lived together in Morris until her death on August 11, 2000.

He is survived by daughter Sandra Thompson and husband, Paul who reside in Montevideo , MN and their children: Gwen and husband David Koscinski of Milwaukee , WI ; and Aaron and wife Adrienne of Excelsior, MN.  Son, James Holmen and wife Rita Plourde who live in Grand Marais , MN and have two sons: Ian and Drew Holmen.  Marvin’s legacy lives on through his family, including his four great grandchildren, Calvin, Spencer and Lydia Koscinski and Keillor Thompson.





In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Care Partners for Cook Co. (a hospice program), c/o North Shore Health Care Foundation, PO Box 454 , Grand Marais, MN, 55604 or Faith Lutheran Church , Morris , MN Projection Project.