Marvin Elroy Tokheim

Marvin ElRoy Tokheim was born June 9, 1941 to George and Ruth (Shelstad) Tokheim at the hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. A few days after his birth he had a very high fever that could not be broken. As a result of the fever, Marvin developed epileptic seizures and mild intellectual disabilities. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Palisade Lutheran Church, rural Garretson, South Dakota. Marvin lived at home with his family and attended school in Beaver Creek, Minnesota through the third grade. He loved the farm and being with his father on the farm. Marvin resided on the farm place into his thirties. For the past 15 years, Marvin resided at New Dawn, Inc. on Clary Street in Worthington, Minnesota. He and his housemates enjoyed doing things together. Marvin was employed at the DAC in Worthington until his retirement. Working was important to him as he liked earning his own money and took pride in his work. He was also active in People First group. Marvin enjoyed Minnesota Twin’s baseball and Minnesota Vikings games. He would see a car and would tell you the make and model and what was under the hood. He loved Ford cars and John Deere farm machinery. His favorite trips were to the John Deer Factory in Davenport, Iowa and to Detroit where he toured the Ford factory.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Marvin was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. The cancer moved aggressively and on Thursday, March 12, 2015 he died peacefully under acute hospice care at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Marvin’s family learned a great deal from Marvin through the years. He taught them how to move on when things were tough and not what you wanted. He tried not to let his disabilities get the best of him. He had an engaging smile, mischievous nature and was a born tease. Most of all Marvin loved his family and friends. He enjoyed sitting at the family table drinking coffee and visiting.

Marvin is lovingly remembered by his three siblings, Ivona Sandnes of Canton, South Dakota, Gerald Tokheim of Viborg, South Dakota, and Cherrice (Loren) Ehrich of Forest City, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his housemates; and other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth; brother, Ronald (Diane) Tokheim; brother-in-law, John Sandnes; nephew, John Sandnes; and great-nephew, Nathan Sandnes.

Marvin’s family would like to thank the New Dawn, Inc. staff for their support and care over the years, Southwest Human Services (Rock County) and the medical care received through Sanford Medical Center. They are appreciative of the family, friends and neighbors who saw Marvin and smiled, accepting him as who he was. A special thank you goes to Richard and Frances Meyer, and their family, who were always there for Marvin, George and Ruth when they had appointments at the University of Minnesota.

There is sorrow for all of us but joy in knowing Marvin is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorials may be directed to the Palisade Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.