Marvin C. Westlund

Marvin C. Westlund, 86, of Lake Park, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 in Ecumen Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Marvin was born on the family farm on May 24, 1933 to Alice (Teigen) and Albert Westlund.  He grew up south of Lake Park, MN, attending school at District 10.  He was baptized and confirmed in Park Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, and drafted into the Army in 1954.  There he completed two years of service and vocational school.

He married Margie Crabtree on September 22, 1957 and they raised their family south of Lake Park until 1987. In the 1960s, Marvin started Westlund Fence Builders. In addition to his own business, he was also an independent contractor for Sears in Fargo, ND, for many years. His expertise was well known around the tri-state area and he received the Sears Contractor Excellence award in 1983.  He continued fencing until he retired in 2006, selling the business to his grandson, Chris.

Marvin served on the Cormorant township board for 15 years and as Board Chairman for several years.  He was a life-long member of Park Lutheran Church.

Marvin had a unique sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller. He brought the mannerisms and quirks of the people he met to life for all.

He had a strong Scandinavian work ethic, sometimes to the disenchantment of his daughters. But baling hay, chasing cattle and hanging fence were all skills acquired and ultimately appreciated by them.

Marvin and Margie both looked forward to spending time with all their grandchildren. Tractor rides, bonfires and good conversation filled many weekends and holidays with them. He even shared a birthday with one grandson. He was a much loved Great Grandpa, Grandpa, husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Margie, Lake Park, MN; three daughters, Debbie (Glenn) Anderson, Hawley, MN, Lori (John) Buhaug, Lake Park, MN, and Barb Westlund Harrison (Tim Harrison), Hawley, MN; nine grandchildren, Chris Anderson, William (Kali) Anderson, Scott Anderson and Junior Anderson, all of Hawley, MN, Karly Buhaug, Hawley, MN, Kristynn Buhaug, Fargo, ND, Griffin Harrison, Duluth, MN, Sam Harrison, Fargo, ND, and Turner Harrison, Hawley, MN; one great-grandchild, Warren Anderson, Hawley, MN; sisters, Arvilla West and Phyllis (Merle) Sagen; brother, Dick (Arlette) Westlund and brother-in-law, Donald Syvertson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Albert Westlund; brother, Duane (Penny) Westlund; sister, Ardis Syvertson; brothers-in-law, Tom West and Jim Keeping and sister-in-law, Deloris Evanson.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 11:00 AM in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN, pending any further gathering restrictions due to Covid-19.

Burial will be in Park Lutheran Church cemetery.