Marvin Lee

Marvin Lee, age 83, of Fosston, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 16^th, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24^th, at New Journey Church in Fosston with Pastors Jarred LeBon and Tyler Stynsberg officiating. Interment will be in Kingo Lutheran Cemetery, in the spring. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, February 23^rd, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Home of Fosston. Messages of condolence may be shared and live-stream of the service viewed at www.carlinfuneral.com.   

Marvin Curtis Lee was born on March 21, 1939, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Halvor and Hulda (Kompelien) Lee. He was baptized and confirmed at Kingo Lutheran Church in Fosston. He attended rural school in Brandsvold Township through the eighth grade and then Fosston High School, graduating in 1956. Following high school, he attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, graduating with a degree in horticulture. He then went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Ag Economics from North Dakota State University.

Marvin was united in marriage to Yvonne “2-D” Gravley on July 5, 1964, in New London, Minnesota. After their marriage, they lived in Wabasha, MN,  Fargo, ND, and Faribault, MN where Marvin worked as Assistant Professor for the University of Minnesota Ag Extension.

In 1974, Marvin returned to his roots, purchasing the Lee family farm (where he grew up) in Brandsvold Township. It was here that he and 2-D together raised their family and operated a dairy herd. They had the dairy herd for over 25 years before retiring in 1998. Marvin then served as a bus driver for the Fosston School District until 2017. 

2-D passed away on July 1, 2011. Marvin moved into town in 2013 where he has resided since.

Marvin was always an active servant in his church and in the community of Fosston. He was a long-time and active member of Fosston Baptist Church and New Journey Church, past member of the Fosston School Board; he was on the board at the Embassy Center, a member of the Sons of Norway Granlund Lodge, NELL, a volunteer at the nursing home and hospital in Fosston, and an elections judge in Rosebud Township.

Marvin was also known as an excellent gardener. He lovingly cared for his flowers and his yard, locking down the Fosston Yard of the Week several times. He was also known for his beautiful woodworking and his antique collectibles.

Survivors include his four children, David (Laurel) of Bryn Mawr, PA, John (Kim) of Pierre, SD, Rachel (Tony) Senger of Grand Forks, ND, and Mark of Fosston; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild; one brother, Robert Lee of McIntosh, MN; and sister-in-law, Barb Lee of Fosston. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother, Francis.