Marvin Martin Mikkelsen

Marvin Martin Mikkelsen June 8, 1942 - August 2, 2022 Marvin Martin Mikkelsen age 80 of Blaine, MN, passed away on August 2, 2022 after a two-year illness. Marvin was born in Thief River Falls, MN, the youngest of five siblings. His parents died leaving him orphaned at nine years old. Marvin and his brother Jens then went to live with their foster parents, Oscar and Eleanor Johnson on a farm east of Thief River Falls, MN. Marvin spent six years in the Army National Guard unit in Thief River Falls from 1964-1970. Upon discharge he held the rank of Sargent. In 2022, Marvin was presented "A Quilt of Valor" for his service by the Sgt. John Rice VFW Post 6316 Blaine, MN. Marvin and Jens traveled to California for two years to be with his siblings, nephews and nieces. He worked at Metlox Pottery Factory as a kiln operator. He sent his foster mother sets of pottery dishes, artwork pieces, cookie jars and accessory pieces that have become sought-after antiques. After they returned to Thief River Falls, Marvin worked 15 years at Arctic Enterprises in Bill of Materials and Material Requirements Management, manufacturing snowmobiles. It was there, he met his wife, Mary. Together they lived in Fridley, MN for 40 years and in 2021 celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Marvin worked at BAE (formerly FMC) Armament Division for 26 years in inventory control, material requirements planning and work orders to production floor. He also ran the warehouse for Honeywell trailers for Hum-vees and mortars. Marvin traveled for work to U.S. Army bases (Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort Bliss, El Paso; Fort Bragg, North Carolina), to deliver inventory and setup for the trailers and mortars. He was also an avid photographer, carpenter, woodworker, electrician, plumber, roofer, landscaper and stone mason. He often volunteered to help build roofs and garages for his friends and family. Traveling was important to Marvin. He loved to travel to National Parks, take cruises and vacation overseas. He loved bowling, playing cards and country dancing. He was fortunate to maintain the same group of dancing friends for the last 30 years, meeting every Friday night at various VFWs. For several years he would also travel to meet these "snowbirds" in Arizona and Texas during the winter months. Marvin donated his time and carpentry skills to Habitat for Humanity for several years. He also joined the Men's Auxiliary at Fridley VFW, volunteering at many fund-raising events for Minnesota veterans. Later joining VAV, (Volunteers for Veterans). He helped with fund-raising at the Game Feed, Gun Raffle, and Golf Tournament for Minnesota Military Families Foundation (MMFF). He also donated his time and talents to help remodel the Fridley VFW interior to keep the club open. Marvin is preceded in death by; his parents George and Pearl Mikkelsen, brothers Leroy "Mike" (Oray) Mikkelsen, Jens Mikkelsen, Virgil (Emogene) Mikkelsen. Sister, Corrine (Don) Netteland. Foster parents Oscar and Eleanor Johnson, foster brother, Dean Johnson and several other Mikkelsen and Johnson family members. Marvin is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Mikkelsen, Blaine, MN, daughter, Audra (Doug) Leonard, Eden Prairie, MN, two grandchildren, Dr. Dylan Leonard of Rochester, MN; Madelyn (Dan) Meyers of New Hope, MN, foster brother Paul (Geno) Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN, nephew Kevin (Holly) Mikkelsen of Corcoran, MN , in addition to many nieces and nephews, from both the Mikkelsen and Johnson families. Marvin leaves his imprint on us with these many gifts of time and effort, along with the love of his kind and gentle nature. He will be missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life event will be held on Thursday, August 18 from 6-8 pm at Sgt. John Rice VFW Post 6316 (1374 109th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434). Interment will be in Thief River Falls, MN this October.