Marvin Abelmann
Marvin Abelmann, 90 of Glendive, Mont., formerly of Alexander, N.D., passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive.
Marvin Arthur Abelmann was born on The Abelmann Family Ranch/Farm Oct. 20, 1928, to Arthur and Selma (Swensen) Abelmann. Marvin joined older sister, Ardath, brothers, Dale and Arlan. Later Hildreth and Forest were born.
Marvin attended Letcher Country School and then in Williston. He was baptized and confirmed at Timber Creek Lutheran Church and later attended Rosland Lutheran Church with his family.
As a child, Marvin was often found outside playing with his siblings or with the horses and cattle if he wasn’t playing marbles, football, baseball, trucks or Fox and Geese. This is perhaps where his devotion and love began for family, ranching and farming.
Marvin worked hard on the family farm. He worked cattle on horse with his dad and older brother, Dale. From early on as a youth, he was farming, working cattle, milking and tending to anything the great outdoors offered.
On Oct. 20, 1948, he joined the Navy. He enlisted for four years serving until Oct. 14, 1952, where he was discharged in Norfolk, Va. He then re-enlisted with a sign-on bonus for two additional years and was in active duty in The Korean War. While enlisted, he was able to come home on leave to visit family and enjoy ranching for a very short visit, although he made it a point to “help out and get back in the saddle and ride” while home! Marvin never spoke of his time served and what he endured other than he was in the Navy.
When his six-year term was done he returned to the ranch to help his parents and family. He also became a hired hand, working for Davidsons Cattle Company down near the river bottoms. In talking to others about Uncle Marvin, I’ve heard many stories from those days. Memories vary from “we’d meet after a weekend,” joking with him at PeePee Rock on our horses, getting home “Pre-Marvin” time or “Post Marvin” time. “He was a very quiet, hard-working man, always there to help us out and get us out of a pickle. He could ride horse like no other. He loved his horse, cattle and was very proud of his family.”
Marvin often went to his neighbors to help brand cattle and was always willing to help all. His dedication and devotion to family as well as ranching/farming became apparent to all. He later purchased the family ranch with his brother Hildreth, where he continued his legacy. While ranching and farming, he helped take care of his parents whom were both in wheelchairs. This enabled his parents to stay on the family farm as well. Marvin always enjoyed his nieces and nephews, often playing in the mud, making mud pies (which turned into mud fights), sledding on the hills, playing baseball and football, Fox and Geese, Finch, giving rides on Ole’ Pokey, teasing and pinching us all to milking cows and squirting milk at us! Some of our fondest memories also include riding snowmobile, Santa in the window (knowing now that it was him!), he would come visit in a pink Plymouth with push button transmission, joking of his girlfriends’, playing cards (which he took very seriously), pinochle and whist, always having his dog by his side and a cup of coffee in hand. He loved lemon meringue pie, lutefisk and reading. Louis L’amour books were at the top of his favorites list. He also enjoyed watching old western TV shows and laughing at Hee Haw, while having popcorn or ice cream on Sunday evenings at the farm. Knowing he always had our best interest at heart, he offered a shoulder to cry on, a joke to laugh at, sharing a love as an Uncle would if we were in fact, his children.
Marvin was dedicated to Our Country. He took pride in serving in the Navy. He sewed his oats while having a love for the land, enjoying the beauty of the Badlands. Dedication to ranching, farming and animals. Everlasting devotion to family and life. His legacy will always remain!
Marvin is survived by his brother, Hildreth; sisters-in-law, Loucille Abelmann and Jewell Abelmann; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Selma; sister, Ardath Workman; brothers, Dale, Arland, and Forest; brother-in-law, Lloyd Workman.
His funeral was celebrated Friday afternoon, May 3, 2019, at 2 p.m., at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Williston. Rev. Morris Kirchhof officiated. Interment with military rites followed in Hillside Memory Gardens in Williston.
A family service open to all family and friends was held Thursday evening at 7 p.m., at the Everson Coughlin Funeral Home Chapel in Williston.
Friends may visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share remembrances of Marvin or leave condolences for his family.