The funeral service for Allen L. Marler, 86, Rogers, North Dakota will be 10:30 AM, Saturday October 12, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City, North Dakota. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00-6:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the church. Allen passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at CHI Mercy Hospital, Valley City with his family by his side. 

Allen L. Marler, the son of James and Margaret (Zaun) Marler was born March 29, 1938, in Valley City, North Dakota at his Grandma Zaun’s house.

Allen grew up and attended first grade at the Coleman Country School. His remaining school years were in Dazey, North Dakota, graduating from high school in 1956. After graduating, Allen began farming on his own and continued working with his brother, Gene, for over 50 years.

In 1959, Allen joined the Army National Guard attending basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

On October 16, 1960, he married Betty Lausch at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dazey. The couple made their home on a farm near Rogers, North Dakota. In January 1971, they built a new home and moved to the farm where they currently reside.

Allen was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rogers. He was also a member of the Valley City Eagles Club and Sodbusters.  Allen was on the Rogers Township Board for 42 years.

Allen loved the life he and Betty created on the farm. One of his greatest joys was farming alongside his son and grandson. Allen raised cattle for many years. He never retired from farming, he just took on different roles, but his favorite one was always combining each fall.

The noon meal was always an important part of Allen’s day. The boys still asked for his advice. His many stories of “the old days” were always interesting and many times had everyone laughing.

Allen enjoyed playing pinochle and watching the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. He liked going to morning coffee and visiting with friends. 

Allen gave his grandchildren a lifetime of memories.  Always making them laugh and thinking of fun things for them to do. He never hesitated to pick up the phone to check in on them, give them advice and share an idea or two.

Allen is survived by his wife Betty; his children Kathy (Craig) Engle, Jamie (Jerry) King, Robin (Mark) Calkins, and Kelly Marler; his grandchildren Sarah (Lucas) Triebold, Jesse Engle, Katie (Kyle) Slinkard, Jonathan Calkins, Morgan Calkins, Willy (Carly Jo) Marler, Karlie (Shad) Froseth, Ashley and Courtney Mack.  Being Great Grandpa to Lilly, Waylon, Thomas, Lucy, Otto and Jax brought him so much happiness and many smiles.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene and Dallas (Nancy); sisters Inez (Reynold) Peterson and Marcyne (Dale) Pederson and daughter-in-law Tammy Marler.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City.  An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com