Funeral services for Marvin Duhn will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa.
Interment is at South Walnut Cemetery in Graettinger, Iowa.
Marvin Robert Duhn, son of Henry (H.L.) and Betty (Jensen) Duhn, was born on September 6, 1927, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He attended country school in Palo Alto County before graduating from Emmetsburg High School. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church.
On February 12, 1949, Marvin married Ruth E. Torreson at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Graettinger, Iowa. They were blessed with five children. While raising his family, Marvin farmed in Palo Alto County until 1979, milking dairy cattle, raising pigs, growing field crops, and tending a large garden—especially known for his sweet corn. He sold Farmers and Asgrow seed and enjoyed volunteering as a 4-H leader. The family attended St. Paul’s and then Bethany, where Marvin taught Sunday School.
In 1979, Marvin and Ruth moved to Carlos, Minnesota, where they continued farming, raising pigs and sheep, and cultivating a vast garden, berries, fruit trees, and flowers. Marvin’s green thumb was well known. He worked at Radisson Arrowwood, Mount Carmel Bible Camp, and a local flower shop. The couple attended Trinity Lutheran Church, and Marvin was active in the local Pork Producers Association and served on the Buckwheat Growers Association board.
After returning to Emmetsburg in 2007, Marvin continued advocating for organic agriculture and soil conservation through conversations and letters to the editor. He remained passionate about gardening, generously sharing seeds, plants, and produce. He and Ruth rejoined Bethany Lutheran Church, where he cherished the men’s group and caring for the flowers. They were also active Honorary Rotary Members, enjoying the community and programming. Photography brought Marvin great joy, and he exhibited his photos at the county fair and local exhibits.
Marvin loved being surrounded by family, especially children, who will forever cherish his stories, humor, and mischief. He passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Palo Alto County Hospital at the age of 97.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Thomas; daughter, Marlene; brothers, Arlo, Albert, John, and Frank; and sisters, Louise (infant), Vivian Jorgensen, and Betty Jean Jorgensen. He is survived by his wife, Ruth of Emmetsburg, IA; children, Chuck (Therese) Duhn of Emmetsburg, IA, Kurt (Gail) Duhn of St. Paul, MN, and Jeanne (Timothy) Frerichs of Fredonia, NY; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
