Marlin LeRoy Toft

Marlin was born on April 16, 1928 near Brandon, MN, to Edwin and Anna (Kloehn) Toft. He grew up on a farm near Brandon with his two brothers, Warren and Donald, and his four sisters, Evangeline, Marlys (his twin), Julianne, and Elaine. He told stories about doing chores, riding a horse to school, living without electricity and indoor plumbing, and his father buying a 5-cent battery for the radio for Christmas.

After graduating high school, he farmed with his father and uncle,and was drafted in the Army in 1954. He received a hardship discharge when his uncle died, and returned home to help with the farm. In 1956, he visited Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay, MN and met CharMayne Toso. They were married in June in a double ceremony with CharMayne’s brother, Gerald. The newlyweds lived on the family farm before moving to Wahpeton while Marlin attended the North Dakota State School of Science. After graduating with a 2-year degree in Electrical Technology, he worked as a licensed electrician in Wahpeton and Breckenridge, MN, and worked for Ottertail Power Company in Waubay and Milbank, SD. Their family grew, and in 1970, Marlin, CharMayne, and their five children moved to Ivanhoe, MN, when Marlin accepted a position as a service representative with Ottertail Power Company. Marlin continued to work for Ottertial and retired in 1991. In 1994, CharMayne was diagnosed with brain cancer, and he cared for her until her death in 1995. Marlin continued to live independently in his home in Ivanhoe until 2024 when he moved to Boulder Estates in Marshall. Earlier this year, Marlin moved to Lockwood House with Prairie Home Hospice.

Marlin was an active member of the Ivanhoe community and a long time member of Bethany-Elim Lutheran Church. He was a volunteer firefighter, city council member, church council member, member of the West Elim Cemetery Association, and member of the Lion’s Club. He also sang in the church choir and had a beautiful tenor voice.

Growing up on a farm, Marlin learned to fix almost anything. People would bring him broken lamps, appliances, or engines to fix. However, his favorite hobby was working on old cars. Over the years, he owned and worked on various Ford Model As and Ts including a 1929 Model A sedan, 1929 Model A pickup, 1930 Model A coupe, 1918 Model T coupelet, and a 1951 Ford sedan he bought new and owned his entire life. For over half a century, he worked on one old car or another, and was a local expert on old Ford vehicles. He also collected and fixed antique tube radios – many purchased for mere dollars at auctions. He always had a project or two or more that he was working on. He rarely sat for long – sometimes only long enough to watch an old Perry Mason episode or take a quick afternoon nap.

He enjoyed dancing and attended dances even after he was not able to dance but still enjoyed the music and conversation. Marlin was opinionated and was not afraid to share his views. Until his move to Marshall, Marlin hosted family Thanksgiving dinners and his home was always open to family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Paula) of Chillicothe, IL, Anthony (Sandy) of Rock Dell, MN, Denise (Pat) Stevermer of Marshall, MN, Daniel (Kari) of Pine Island, MN, and Julie (Robert) Gervais of Ridgecrest, CA, 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, all six of his siblings, and a great-granddaughter.

Marlin donated his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program to support medical research and education. A graveside service will be held at a later date when his cremains are returned from the university.

Memorials may be sent to Bethany Elim Lutheran Church in Ivanhoe, West Elim Cemetery Association, or Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall.