Marvin E. Collins

Marvin Collins, aged 82, joined his Messiah in a place of love without limits where there is no pain and brokenness of spirit, soul, or body. He had some health problems in the past years but never stopped wanting to live life fully. Even up to the last night before he passed, he was heartily joking with his nurses. Marvin was a hard-working, fun-loving, outgoing man who was very involved in the community. Throughout his life, Marvin served in many capacities. Before coming to Park River, he was a corporal in the army after which he attended college in CA and finished with a teaching degree in Bemidji resulting in a business teaching position in Wisconsin. He eventually moved to Park River with his wife Marilyn and began a life-time of investment in a community he grew to love. Marvin helped build several businesses in Park River including the Ready-Mix Plant, the Sports Center, and the potato flour plant. He worked for a handful of years in construction. He then used the knowledge he had gained in construction and working the Ready-Mix Plant to build his own concrete and construction business and spent the rest of his working years building and laying concrete work throughout the area. He was an avid sports fan and participator in sports, attending many school athletic events. For a few years, he wrote sports articles for the Walsh County Press. Marvin also volunteered many hours to the Park River Bible Camp on various construction projects. One of Marvin's biggest involvements was with the local posts of the American Legion. He was always lending a helping hand and dollar through this organization to bring honor to those who have given to our nation in the military branches. He served as the State Sergeant at Arms and was very proud of his "white cap." He also served in various positions at the Park River post, such as commander and chaplain and was also a strong supporter and organizer of the high school Oratorical Contest. One of Marvin's favorite activities with the Legion was leading the color guard and the firing squad. Marvin was overwhelmed by the generosity of the benefit organized by the Legion and attended by many friends this last spring. Marvin was loved by many. His name, meaning "friend," truly represented who Marvin wasa loyal community member, loving family member, and friend to those in which his life was invested. Marvin will be missed in Park River, his residence of almost 50 years, around the state of ND and Minnesota and Manitoba, and by his immediate familywife, Marilyn, and his children, Jane (Joe), Heidi, and Eric (Maria) and his grandchildren Ashley and Jean Marie, as well as his surviving siblingsDelores Jacobson of Grand Forks, Rodney and (Mary) Collins of Park River, Gordon and (Margaret) Collin of Minneapolis, all of their families and the families of his siblings that have gone before him. Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at the Victory Free Lutheran Church of Park River. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.