St. Hilaire – Marvin Edward Wangsnes passed away on Monday, May 21, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, following a brief illness.
Marvin was born June 2, 1930 to Peter and Alveni (Mathews) Wangsnes at the home farm in Starbuck, second to the oldest of six siblings. In his younger years while attending elementary school he enjoyed learning new subjects in school, particularly mathematics, but the “Great Depression” soon needed more hands to help the family so his dreams of continuing in school were put on hold. Marvin worked hard on his family’s farm and took his responsibilities seriously, as he felt he had to set a good example for his younger brothers to follow.
The beginning of the Korean War, Marvin enlisted in the United States Army at age 18. He was stationed in San Francisco, CA, for basic training, where he met his future bride, Patricia (Justesen) Wangsnes. Patricia left for the New England Sanitarium in Massachusetts, to finish her nursing career. Marvin was reassigned to Fort Meade, Maryland to continue as a medic processing troops to Korea. While stationed in Fort Meade he was able to complete his GED.
While at Fort Meade, Marvin and Patricia were married in Massachusetts on September 6, 1953, a union of 56 years. They eventually relocated to Minnesota where Marvin engaged in farming, woodworking, and later as a contractor. Patricia practiced nursing all the while raising three wonderful sons.
Marvin enjoyed driving his car mile after mile barely stopping to allow bathroom breaks, and his other hobbies of painting, gardening, reading, cycling, walking. Marvin will be remembered for his tenacity, hard work and quick humor and as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors include: three sons, Kevin (Gracie) Wangsnes of Grand Terrace, CA, Dr. Kraig (Marilyn) Wangsnes of Augusta, GA, and Kurt Wangsnes of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Nolan Wangsnes of Grand Terrace, CA, Jarrett and Wyatt Wangsnes of Augusta, GA; a sister, Evelyn Glass; and brother, Harold Wangsnes; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Saint Hilaire’s Community Cemetery. Pastor David Jahn from the Seventh Day Adventist Church officiated the services.
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