Joseph Marvig

[m kerkvliet]

Joseph Marvig​

Joseph "Joe" Marvig, age 81 of Rollag, MN passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at home in Rollag, MN.

Joseph Martin Marvig was born on August 23, 1930 to Olai and Hannah (Anderson) Marvig in Torgerson Maternity Ward in Hawley, MN. He grew up and attended school district #104 in Cromwell Township until the eighth grade. Joe then attended school in Hawley, graduating in 1948. He then farmed with his family before entering the United States Navy. Joe was honorably discharged in May, 1956. On October 6, 1956, he married Lorraine Mayfield in Rollag Lutheran Church. Joe worked for Stan and Haps TV in Moorhead from 1956 - 1978. He then worked for Concordia College as a groundskeeper until retiring in 1992. Joe was a past Post Commander and lifetime member of VFW, Post 1696 in Hawley as well as the American Legion. He was an active member of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion of Rollag, MN as long as his health permitted. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting with people and spending time with his dogs.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lorraine of Rollag, MN, son, Kip Marvig of Rollag, MN, daughter, LaShel Marvig of Blaine, MN, sisters-in-law, Orpha Marvig of Fertile, MN and Rhoda (Ralph) Evanson of Hawley, MN as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Crystal and brothers, Clifford, John, Maurice and Arthur.

 

[Ray Wangler]

Joe Marvig was a nice man, my sympathies to Shelly and family. Greg Bowen and I will always remember him for his trips through the Villaume Corliss building with the handicapped visitors. He would offer a handshake and proceed to humiliate us with the strength of his “paw”. It was worthy of a good laugh or two every show and we treasure the memory of his smile and warmth, (not to mention the girth of that hand!)

 

[m kerkvliet]

I was thinking about the handshake thing when I posted this Ray.

Way back (too many years ago) when I was 16, one of the first "locals" Jim Birk introduced me to when he brought me to the show the first time was Joe Marvig. "Brother Birk" talked me into shaking Joe's hand first, without telling me what was coming! Joe grabbed my hand, and SQEEEEEEEZED! Saying "uncle" didn't seem to phase him any! He brought that tough 16 year old kid to his knees!

In subsequent years, we would always repeat the "tradition" knowing full well what was coming, but thinking we had gotten tougher!

As the years caught up with Joe, his huge hand seemed to lose a little bit of it's grip, (or my nerve endings just gave up) but I would always humor him by wincing a little and saying "alright Joe... I give!" He probably knew he has lost a little strength, but we still had to play the game and I think he appreciated that.

If I am not mistaken, it we Joe who originally came up with the idea for the handicap shuttles, and he ran the operation for many years. I think we should remember him in some way on one of the handicap shuttle wagons.

Truly a larger than life figure has gone on ahead of us. He will be missed!

 

[Ray Wangler]

Mark, that’s a great story! He must have done that with every 16 year old kid on the grounds. He absolutely enjoyed your ritual later in his years when his hand was no longer a vise.