MSgt(R) Marvin Joseph Wimmer , age 84, of Valley City, ND, died Sunday, December 3rd at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Fargo, ND. There will be a small graveside service, with full military honors, for Marv at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota in the spring.
Marv was born July 9, 1939 in Valley City, North Dakota where he was raised until adulthood. He attended school at Saint Catherine’s and enjoyed many fond memories of fishing and hunting with his friends Jerry Vogel, Dennis Buckman, and Larry Hovel. In 1962 Marv enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served as a logistician at several duty locations. While in the service he was promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant (E7) where his reports lauded him for exceptional service and devotion to duty. He proudly served his country, and his love for his nation was without reproach.
Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, he decided to return to Valley City and raise his sons. He was able to obtain a job at the Valley City Vocational Center where he proudly served as a custodial engineer and teachers assistant. He enjoyed the staff and directors he worked with but most notably Mr. Jim McFadgen and Mr. Jeff Bopp.
After retiring as a teaching assistant, he enjoyed the easy life. His hunting and fishing excursions spent with CW4 (R) Bob Wahlund and Ron Manson were nothing short of epic. Marv also enjoyed daily visits to the VFW and Eagles with Marlen Legler as that time was treasured as well. Furthermore, Marv’s lifelong friend Vicky Royce was always by his side and was there for him until she passed in 2022 from cancer. Until the end he talked fondly of her and missed her dearly.
Marv loved his family. He especially loved the yearly calendars that he would receive from his granddaughter, Grace, he was very proud of her. They were a true joy to him, and he often remarked, and laughed at the pictures contained in the calendar. In his final days he was able to visit Sasha and Grace and exclaimed what a beautiful lady Grace had become.
Marv’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster.
Lastly, Marv is survived by his children Michael (Sasha) Wimmer, Marvin Kline, his wife Marjorie, his grandchild Grace, and his sister Ramona (Chuck O’Reilly). He is preceded in death by his parents Michael and Esther Wimmer and his beloved Aunt and Uncle Van and Mary Murray.
A special thank you to the Fargo VA Medical center and the staff, especially the third-floor acute care doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, patient advocates, and palliative care team. Their caring, compassion, and empathy during Marv’s final days was exceptional and worthy of mention. His final time on this earth was with dignity and respect.