Marvin H. Christenson age 86 of Marshall, formerly of Rodman, IA, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2019 due to pulmonary fibrosis at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls while surrounded by his family. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday at Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment is in the St. Clotilde Catholic Cemetery in Green Valley. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marvin was born September 19, 1933 in Manson, IA to Howard and Minnie (Zeckser) Christenson. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Manson. Marvin moved with his family to Bradgate, IA in 1936, and then to Rodman, IA in 1940. Marvin was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, IA. He graduated from Rodman High School in 1951. On August 14, 1981, Marvin was united in marriage to Yvonne Derynck at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood. Marvin farmed with his dad and later for himself until 1990. After retiring from farming, the couple lived in Cottonwood. Marvin worked at Hy-Vee from July 1991 until November 1995. In March 1996, Marvin came out of retirement to work at Walmart for 17 ½ years. In June 2011, the couple moved to Marshall where they have resided since. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Cottonwood, and loved singing his Christian Hymns and diligently reading his Bible. Marv enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and going to Cutty’s Resort in Spirit Lake, IA. He liked taking walks and car rides with his dog Katie. Marv enjoyed playing cards especially “500”, grilling out in the summer, and watching sports like baseball and football. He was a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and the St. Louis and Rodman Cardinals.
Marvin is survived by his wife Yvonne of 38 years; step daughters: Annette Tritz of Marshall, Linda (David) Volden of Marshall & Marlie DeRynck of Burnsville; grandchildren: Joe Rye, Maria (Jon) Scott, Ryan (Evelyn May) Hinrichsen, Heather Hinrichsen, & Kassandra (Abe Zverow) Hinrichsen; great grandson Isaiah Scott; his special dog Katie & many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Raymond & Roger Christenson.
It is heart warming to read of the great life Marvin “Bud” lived. He was my favorite uncle for lots of reasons. Trips to Okoboji, to West Bend, to Minneapolis, to small towns around Rodman for summer baseball games. I never got to go to Sioux City to see Sioux City Sue–he always took a long time to get ready to go, so that was more time to spend with him. He was so hard working, he was a great example. He never turned down a game of catch.
I am sure Yvonne’s family has the same memories, I truly regret that I had not spent more time with him. One of our last times together was meeting at Okoboji and then he led us and our very young kids back to the farm, which was soon to be plowed under–but they got a nice tour from Bud.
I just last week drove through West Bend, Rodman and Emmetsburg and visited the Grandparents graves. It brought back many happy memories—like steering the old pickup while sitting on Bud’s lap.
I have missed him and miss him all over again. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Bob Christenson
Grandpa Marv has been the ultimate father figure and Grandfather and we are ever so grateful to have had him in our lives all these years. What a wonderful gentleman. His sense of humor and genuine kindness will continue to live on in our hearts. He will be truly missed.
With so much love,
Marlie DeRynck
I was saddened when I recently heard of Marvin’s passing. My father and I purchased Marvin’s farmstead at Rodman (and most of the Christenson family farmland) back in 1990, and although I only knew Marvin for a very short time, I felt it an honor to have met such a man, decent and kind to the core. I had always hoped to get to see Marvin again someday, but wasn’t sure how to make that happen and didn’t pursue it further. I rather regret that now. If you are family, I just want you to know that I feel lucky to have met him, and lucky to own and farm the Christenson family farm. The farm has been very good to me. I enrolled it in the EQUIP program this past year and planted a cover crop this fall. It is my hope to maintain the quality of this farm for future generations.
May we always remember the common decency that Marvin demonstrated, and honor his memory by striving to do likewise.
Fred Wirtz, West Bend, IA