Marvin Glen Hoffman, age 91, of Carrington, ND, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Carrington, ND, with his family at his side.

     Marvin Hoffman was born June 27, 1925, the son of Sam and Ruth (Martin) Hoffman at Haven Township, Foster County.  At a young age, Marvin’s mother died and his father married Bertha Martin, Ruth’s sister.  His sister Zola was a year older than Marvin.

     Marvin grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room country school, Haven #3 Country School, through the eighth grade.  Marvin helped his father and brothers farm on the family farm until age 27 when he bought his own farm where he farmed until 2009.  He spent many hours after a day’s work and doing chores studying textbooks on mechanics and science, becoming a self-taught mechanic that neighbors and friends could rely on for his help troubleshooting their repair problems.

     On May 10, 1954, he was united in marriage to Lucy Eisenzimmer at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND.  Together they raised four daughters.  They farmed together on the farm until her death on August 25, 2007.  Lucy was his farming partner.  He was a farmer and rancher at heart until his death.  He was known for being a hard worker and an incredibly resilient man who persevered through many difficult life situations.  He was always clad in striped overalls with his red handkerchief, never wearing a wrist watch because he could tell time by the sun. 

     Marvin and Lucy started with humble beginnings, farming, raising beef cattle, milk cows, and chickens.  He raised corn, alfalfa, and oats to feed his cattle.  He also raised wheat, flax and barley.

     Marvin was especially proud of the hip roofed barn he built, which only took four years to build with help from family and friends after a tornado blew down a barn he had just moved to his farm.  It was one-of-a kind, having three lean-twos.  He didn’t use blue prints but designed it himself constructing it using only a hand saw, square, pencil, hammer and nails.  He was proud that he never lost any cattle during the Blizzard of March 1966 like many did.

     Marvin was everyone’s friend and a stranger quickly became his friend.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone because he was the best storyteller and had you laughing at the end of the story.

     Marvin had a uniquely inquisitive mind, always taking things apart, “just to see how they worked.”  He was an inventor, fabricating a rock picker prototype that he sold which is still being manufactured today. He wore many hats in addition to being a farmer; he was a welder, machinist, electrician, plumber, carpenter, veterinarian and butcher.  There wasn’t anything he couldn’t repair or fabricate.

     Marvin enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and playing the harmonica and guitar.  He’d play well in to the midnight hours with his brother Rodney.  He taught his daughters how to play the guitar and accordion.  On wintery days, he’d have his own band.  “Playing one or two songs well was better than half-way playing many,” he’d say.

     He enjoyed making deer sausage and especially liked the challenge of developing that “perfect recipe” with seasonings and smoke.  He loved the outdoors, enjoying nature, and rides in the country.  He had a special place in his heart for his dogs and cats.  He was spry for his age, not afraid to scale a board fence at age 90!  He enjoyed fruit trees and planted a shelterbelt to protect his farmstead.

     He regretted not having the opportunity to serve his country as his older brother George Rotz did.  He was a humble man who never wanted fine, expensive things.  He’s seen a lot in his 91 years and said he lived in “modern times” with technology and computers that he found unbelievable.      

     Marvin leaves behind his four daughters:  Loretta (Harry) Kaatz, Denver, CO; Marlene (Robert) Smith, Carrington, ND; Marlys Stangeland, Garland, TX; Donna (Robert) Mack, Kensal, ND; nine grandchildren:  Amanda (Dale) Bercier, Nicholas Smith (Katlyn Ehni), Amy Smith, Chris Stangeland, Angie (Matthew) Habermas, twins Sara (Brandon) Froiland and Kenny Stangeland, Jeremiah (Angie) Blahna and Casey Mack; four step-grandchildren: Cheri Mack, Chris (Lisa) Mack, Melissa (Eric) Gauthier, Mike (Jessica) Mack; fourteen great-grandchildren: Jonathan and Benjamin Habermas; Joseph, Lydia, Isaac, Emmalynn, and Adeline Froiland; Alivia and Benjamin Blahna; Braxx Smith; Nicholas, Lauren, Matthias and Grace Bercier; nine step-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Duane Hoffman, McHenry, ND, and Rodney (Cheryl) Hoffman, Hillsboro, ND; two sisters: Gladys Black, Grove, OK, and Ora (Cyril) Pederson, Canyon Lake, CA.

     Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved stepmother; his wonderful wife Lucy of 53 years; sisters Zola Vlach, Doris Williams and Cora Galt; brothers George Rotz and Ray Hoffman; grandson Joshua Blahna; and son-in-law Gary Stangeland.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to his “family” at Golden Acres Manor and CHI St. Alexius, Carrington, ND, for their loving care.  Your kindness will never be forgotten.

ROSARY AND VIGIL SERVICE:

Thursday (April 20th) in Evans Funeral Home, Cgtn with Rosary at 6:45PM and Vigil Service at 7PM

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington

DATE AND TIME:

Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery