Marvin Manning, age 83, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, formerly Gary, Minnesota, died Monday, November 19, 2007, in Twin Valley Living Center.

Marvin M. Manning was born June 14, 1924, the son of Ed and Bergetta (Habeck) Manning in Ada, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith in St. Johns Lutheran Church, rural Ada. As a youngster, Marvin was raised on farms in the Ada and Gary communities, also attending country school in those areas. After his marriage to Gladys Orwald on July 29, 1944, the couple farmed in the Gary area. They later worked for a few years in the mines in Babbit and Ely, Minnesota. They returned to Gary community and farmed once again, while also being employed at Artic Cat from 1961 to 1971, where he served as president of the sales department. While there, Marvin started the Artic Cat racing team. Later he worked in sales and at the same time served on the board of directors at the Viking Snowmobile manufacturing in Twin Valley, Minnesota. On July 2, 1973, Marvin was united in marriage to Donna Elleson at Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls for a few years. During this time Marvin started Marv's Auto Sales and in 1976 Marvin moved his family and his business to near Gary. Marvin and Donna spent many winters in Arizona. In 1999, they sold their home and moved to Ada. In 2004, Marvin moved into the Twin Valley Living Center, where he had made his home since.

Marvin's hobbies included hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and going to flee markets. He loved visiting with family and friends and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Marvin will also be long remembered for his sense of humor. Some of his greatest times were had at their lake home on Lake Sara.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Donna of Twin Valley, MN; son, Jim of Gary, MN; daughters, Karen (John) Rothschodl of Waubun, MN, Darlene (Tom) Baker and JoAnn (Dale) Luchau all of Ada, MN; brothers, Duane of Virginia, Gene (Helen) of Fergus Falls, MN and Kenny of East Grand Forks, MN; step-sons, Daniel (Jan) Elleson of San Antonio, TX and James (Liz) Elleson of Austin, TX; step-daughters, Carol (Paul) Ihle of Thief River Falls, MN, Peggy (Lee) Simmons of Moorhead, MN, Bonnie (Dwight Johnson) DeLap of Thief River Falls, MN and Judy (Rick) Brunner of Sebeka, MN; 27 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Dicky, one brother and three sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at 10:00 AM in St. Johns Lutheran Church, rural Ada. Registration will be one hour before services at the church on Monday. Officiating will be Pastor Arvid Salvhus with Lori Salvhus serving as organist and Susan and Rick Weisman providing special music.

TO ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN CHURCH: East of Ada 3 miles on Hwy 200, North 4 miles on County Hwy 24, 1/2 mile west on county road 149 OR FROM GARY ~ 7 miles west on County Hwy 19, 1 mile south on county road 24 and 1/2 mile west on county road 149.