Obituary of Marvin Ray Fondrick

Marvin Ray Fondrick died peacefully at White Pines Assisted Living, Cottage Grove, MN on July 9, 2024, at the age of 84.

Marvin was born November 7, 1939, in Steele, North Dakota, to Adolph and Pauline (Neumiller) Fondrick. He was raised and educated in Steele.

In 1964 he married Janice Dinius with whom he had two children, Kip, and Ski.

In 1980 Marvin married Mary Riggs and created a blended family adding her two sons, Robert, and Dan.

Marvin was a caring man doing his best to support his family. He dedicated his life to his family’s wellbeing. He touched many hearts, especially children’s. Although his work took him on the road away from home for long periods of time, he would return ready to spend quality time. When he got a chance, he was usually found watching Saturday morning cartoons, Sunday afternoon Spaghetti Westerns, and Sunday evening Wild Kingdom or Animal World with his children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He worked for the Steele Butcher in his younger years. There he learned the trade of meat processing. Later he would become the family expert and be called upon to process meats when it came to butchering livestock or wild game. He often was the chef for many barbeque cookouts on the grill or inground hog roasts. His secret ingredient was a “splash of beer,” here and there.

He worked for electrical construction companies until his retirement and was a 55-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His work took him throughout the Midwest and Northwest United States before settling in The Dalles, Oregon for over 30 years.

Though he didn’t like the time work took him away from family he enjoyed travelling, meeting new people, and the camaraderie of the crews he worked with. He loved driving (which was good since he refused to fly). More than once many miles were added to a trip in order to take the “scenic route”, wildlife loop, or visit a cheesy tourist attraction (especially anything cowboy related).

Marvin always loved everything western/cowboy (even though he was allergic to horses). He enjoyed listening to classic country music (favorites being Johnny Cash, George Jones, and “Whispering” Bill Anderson), watching old western movies and tv shows, and looking the part usually with a beat-up pair of boots and a hat.

During retirement years, Marvin enjoyed working on his house and spent many hours in his beautiful flower garden; his many “treasure hunts” at the local Salvation Army (especially if he was able to add to his boot, hat, or horse collection); road trips with Mary; and having his dog take him for walks. Marvin’s favorite activity was spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marvin is survived by son, Kip (Trish) Fondrick, Inver Grove Heights, MN; daughter, Ski Kostman, Bismarck, ND; stepson Dan Riggs, The Dalles, OR; brother Lorraine (Claudia) Salem, OR; grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Jessica, Emily, Lakyn, and Sydney ; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Aden.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary; brother Allen Fondrick; sisters Leona Moser and Alice Albrecht; and stepson Robert Riggs.

Marvin will be laid to rest in the Dalles, OR next to Mary, his loving wife of 41 years.

A celebration of life is planned for October 13, 2024, 11am to 2pm at Sertoma Club Community Center in Bismarck, North Dakota. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. An additional celebration of life is being planned for The Dalles, Oregon. Details will be provided in the future when it is scheduled.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the National Institute on Aging or the Alzheimer’s Association. https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2, https://www.nia.nih.gov/