Marvin D. Burns

Marvin D. Burns, age 89 of Grafton, ND passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Marvin D. Burns, the son of the late Patrick C. and Alice Mary (Callahan) Burns, was born June 6, 1923 in Grafton, ND. He grew up and attended school in Auburn. Following his education, he began farming with his dad and brothers. He served in the US Navy in WWII. Following his discharge he returned to Auburn to continue farming. While farming was his true passion, he also worked as a lineman for the Rural Electric Association, at the starch plant and Borden's in Grafton, and for American Crystal in Drayton. He was united in marriage to Shirley Torkelson on July 21, 1946. The couple made their home on the family farm near Auburn. Marvin retired from farming in 2006, and the couple moved into Auburn in 2009. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton and a former member of the Eagle's. Marvin and Shirley wintered in Arizona for many years where they went to dances at the clubhouse, played cards with friends, and he played shuffleboard. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and going for drives to check on crops. Marvin is survived by his wife Shirley, Auburn, ND, children: Gay (Tom) Bohnet, Firestone, CO, George "Buzz" (Mary) Burns, St. Thomas, ND, Lon (Debbie French) Burns, Grafton, ND, Todd (Traci) Burns, Auburn, ND, Marty (Cindy) Burns, Grafton, ND, Blaine Burns, Grand Forks, ND, 19 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Terry Burns, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Gary, granddaughter Allison Burns, sisters: Winnifred Hanson and Beatrice Mattson, and brothers: Leslie and Norman Burns. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 11:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rights will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.