Marvin F. Dirkswager, age 91, of Silver Creek Township died on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Memorial Services will 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Silver Creek Township with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst will officiate. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Clearwater.
Marvin Francis Dirkzwager was born April 9, 1932, at a cabin on Mink Lake in Corinna Township near Maple Lake to John and Margaret (Butler) Dirkzwager. Marvin graduated from Maple Lake High School with the Class of 1950. Shortly after high school, he changed the spelling of his last name from Dirkzwager to Dirkswager. Marvin was drafted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served primarily in Germany with the Military Police.
Marvin was married to Marlene Walters; they were blessed with a son and were later divorced. On March 28, 1964, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Bonine in Watertown, South Dakota; they were blessed with two daughters and a son.
Marvin lived his entire life in rural Maple Lake. He purchased a farm in Silver Creek Township, where he lived his entire adult life. He took great pride in planting, harvesting, and tending to the animals. He embraced the serenity and fulfillment that farming offered him.
In addition to working the farm that he called home, Marvin worked for over 20 years at Electric Storage Battery in Minneapolis until the plant closed in 1978. He then worked for numerous employers, including Pinkerton, TC Plastic, Silver Creek Township, Osowski Apple Orchard, Northwest General Services, Lange Underground Construction, C&W Spinning Inc., Monticello County Club, Action Plus Temp. Services, All Season’s Resorts, and Sunny Fresh Foods Inc.
Marvin was a passionate outdoorsman who found joy in spending time in nature. Fishing and hunting expeditions became his cherished pastimes, allowing him to connect with the beauty of the natural world. He had an eye for unique treasures, often exploring auctions, flee markets, and garage sales, continuously on the hunt for the perfect addition to his cherished brass collection. Marvin’s love for cars led him to be a “backyard mechanic” where he enjoyed working on old vehicles and small engines.
Marvin will forever be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering commitment to family, and his love for farming and the great outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his soul find eternal peace.
He is survived by his children, Mark Dirkswager (Karen Wilson) of Leon, IA, Marcia Dirkswager of Maple Lake, and Marilyn Dirkswager (Mark Luedtke) of Monticello; step children, Rosemary Heinecke and Shirley Hickman; five grandchildren, Mark and Matthew Michaelis, Jeremiah and Jericho Erickson, and Thomas Dirkswager; six great-grandchildren, Leo, Aaron, Jace, Allie, Sienna, and Vanessa; many step grandchildren; many step great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Dirkzwager; wife, Dorothy Dirkswager; son, Marshall Dirkswager; stepchildren, Sam and Stanley Heinecke; grandchild, Marty Michaelis; and sister, Lois Carlson.
Marvin’s grandchildren will serve as urn bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com