Hecla: Marvin Elsen, 84, of Hecla passed away Oct. 1, 2012, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Aberdeen.
Marvin John Elsen, son of Emil and Ella (Stolle) Elsen, was born Feb. 13, 1928, at Hecla, S.D., where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Hecla High School in 1946, and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Frances Yunker Titus on Aug. 19, 1957. They made their home in Hecla, where Marvin worked for Ralph Herseth as a mechanic for five years, before being employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Sand Lake Refuge for 26½ years. Marvin also farmed in the Hecla area. Frances passed away on Feb. 11, 1994.
Marvin was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the American Legion in Hecla since 1954.
He is survived by a son, Ronald Elsen, Hecla; a daughter, Colleen (Del) Taylor, Anderson, Alaska; and two grandchildren: Emily and Melissa Elsen, Brooklyn, N.Y. He is also survived by a brother, Merlyn Elsen, Hecla; two sisters: Marie Willey, Ellendale, N.D., and Mavis Howland, Hecla; a sister-in-law, LaVon Elsen, Aberdeen; a brother-in-law, Keith Larson, Aberdeen; and numerous step grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; two brothers: William and Bernard; and a sister, Marvel Larson.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at St John's Lutheran Church, Hecla, from 1 to 2 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at the Hecla City Cemetery.
Online guestbook at dahlstromfuneralhome.com.