Marvin J. Blazer

Marvin J. Blazer, 74 of Lankin formerly of Devils Lake, ND died on Tuesday morning, January 6, 2009 at First Care Health Center in Park River, ND Funeral Services for Marvin will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake. Rev. David Birkeland will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation for Marvin will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and time of sharing at 6:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Marvin will be his grandsons and great grandson. Honorary Bearers will be his granddaughters and great granddaughters. Music will be provided by Noreen Hagness and Jeanne Monson, soloists accompanied by Lara Carlson and congregational hymns with JoDee Lagein as organist. Marvin J. Blazer was born on May 13, 1934 at Oakes, ND the son of Oliver W. and Bonnie B. (Davidson) Blazer. His family lived in Oakes for several years, then moved to Devils Lake. After Marvin graduated from Devils Lake High School, he attended Lake Region Junior College. Marvin was united in marriage to Helen L. Burdick on May 30, 1954 at Minnewaukan, ND and they established their home in Devils Lake. Marvin then began a long career with Leever’s Super Valu, many of those years as the store manager. In 1979, the family moved to Cando and Marvin was owner and operator of Marv’s Super Valu for nine years. In 1988, Marvin and Helen returned to Devils Lake and Marvin began working at Wally’s for several years and also Halvorson’s Motor Sports and any number of jobs as retirement was not in his nature. Helen died on July 22, 2005. Marvin continued to make Devils Lake his home, until moving to Lankin to live with his daughter, Candy and help with the Carlson family farm operation. Marvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was president of the Men’s Club. He was a Boy Scout leader, a life member of the Elks Lodge, and a member of Eagles and Odd Fellows for many years. While living in Cando, Marv was a member of Kiwanis and served as President and was the first president of the Cando Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Devils Lake Jaycees, serving as president and also received the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award. He served as a director of the DL Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Totten Little Theater and on the board of Lake Region Community College. There wasn’t much room in Marvin’s life for pastimes, but nothing kept him from enjoying nature and the outdoors. Deer hunting with his family and friends took priority over most anything. He enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening. He was an avid reader and always enjoyed a good Western on TV when he wasn’t watching sports. But watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their special talents and accomplishments brought him the most joy. Marvin leaves us with that legacy of love and service to others to pass on from generation to generation. Marvin is survived by his children, Candy L. Carlson and her husband, Russ of Lankin, ND; Randy J. Blazer and his wife, Betty of Burnsville, MN; Terri J. Blazer of Eagan, MN; Jeff D. Blazer of Leeds, ND; Grandchildren: Chris (Connie) Carlson, Jared (Carissa) Carlson, Jennifer Carlson, Wade (Lara) Carlson and Jacob Carlson; Shane and Theresa Blazer; Kayla and Kelsey Blazer; Brady, Austin, Caitlyn and Danika Blazer; Great Grandchildren: Marcus Carlson; Elle Carlson; Lucy Marie Camacho; Brother: Kenneth (Virginia) Blazer, Mandan, ND Sister: JoAnn F. Harveland, Devils Lake Brother-In-Law: Gordon Burdick, Devils Lake Sister-In-Law: Mavis (Glenn) Overby, Bisbee, ND Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen; infant son; brothers, Lloyd and Loren Blazer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Lucy Burdick; brothers-in-law, Gary Harveland, Wilford Brown, Leslie, Darrel and Wayne Burdick; sisters-in-law, Lois Blazer, Marilyn Blazer, Jan Blazer, Jeannette Burdick and Margaret Brown;