Marvin N. Schoenborn

Marvin N. Schoenborn

(August 17, 1928 - October 13, 2016)

Marvin Schoenborn, age 88, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at home.

Marvin Norbert was born August 17, 1928, to Cecelia (Haider) and Herman Schoenborn. He grew up near Beaulieu, MN, and attended country school. As a young man, Marvin spent the first 21 years of his life growing up and working on the family farm. In 1949, he met the love of his life at a dance at the Flowing Well. On May 22, 1951, he married Eleanor Eveslage at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Mahnomen and were blessed with four children. Marvin entered the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Mahnomen and began working at the Standard Oil Station. Upon leaving the Standard Station, Marvin went into business with his brother-in-law, Bert Eveslage. They opened a paint shop and performed painting, taping and texturing of sheetrock. In 1968, Marvin and his brother, LaVerne, purchased the Phillips 66 Gas Station. They became very established and dependable, but after 21 years together they sold the station. Marvin continued to work at the station until he was forced to retire at the age of 64 from heart complications. During his retirement years, Marvin remained very active. He went back to painting with Bert and later, Bert's son, Donnie, and had many hobbies to occupy his time.

Over the years, Marvin enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and following their school activities. He went to as many games as possible and when he wasn't in the stands he was at home listening to it on the radio. Truly their #1 fan! Marvin liked woodworking, hunting, bowling and playing horseshoes but had a passion for fishing. As often as he could go, you would find him filling his days on his favorite fishing lake with several buddies. Making a good catch or not didn't matter. Marvin was simple. He didn't need expensive or name brands, what mattered to him was simply the time spent together.

Marvin was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus, Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson Bjorge Post #31, and a charter member of the Mahnomen Lions. You could not know a more genuine person with such a kind and gentle spirit. His bright friendly smile was so welcoming. You couldn't help but smile right back at him. Marvin was one of those that people you could meet and before you left, you felt as though you'd known him forever and he probably would've slugged your arm before leaving. He was simply "Awesome" and will be missed by many.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor, Mahnomen; daughters, Deborah (Terrance) Handyside, Mahnomen, and Becky (Jeff) Abele, Glyndon, MN; sons, Dewey (Pam), Moorhead, MN, and Dan (Lisa) Mahnomen; seven grandchildren: Amy, Samantha, Kayla, Tyson, Jason, Taylor and Brian; four great-grandchildren: Cooper, Morgan, Tate and Braxton; one sister, Lucille (Milo) Winter, Waubun; brothers: LaVerne (Verla), Delmar (Betty), Anthony (Joan) and Sylvester (Pat) all of Mahnomen; sisters-in-law: Rena Bruggeman, Mahnomen, Elaine Kaiser and Heidi Tritbough, both of Minneapolis, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Tommy; and one brother, Wally.