Marlyn B. Sandness, 87, Fertile, MN, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
Marlyn Bernard Sandness was born on April 24, 1933, in Hendrum, MN to Benjamin and Mina (Anderson) Sandness. Marlyn attended school in Halstad until he moved to Gary, MN, graduating from Gary High School in 1951. In 1954 Marlyn was drafted into the United States Army, B Company and trained in Fort Chaffee, AR and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served from 1954-1956 also spending time stationed in Germany.
On December 1, 1956, Marlyn was united in marriage with Judith Rongen at Little Norway Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN.
Over the years Marlyn worked many jobs including the Fertile Creamery, Fertile Dry Cleaners, the Implement Shop, and he also drove the Perham Jobbing truck. Marlyn and Judy owned and ran the Texaco Station north of Fertile for 8 years. Marlyn was also the owner of a used car dealership.
In the early years, the family took many road trips, as Marlyn liked to travel to state parks and see sights in the United States. Later in life, Marlyn’s passion was going to flea markets and selling his treasures. He enjoyed going to Minot and Grand Forks, ND, and Shady Hollow in Detroit Lakes. Marlyn loved to make his rounds around Fertile checking in on Oistad’s, Opdahl Donuts, Christian Motors, Erickson’s Smokehouse, and other businesses in town. He enjoyed driving around and was always ready with a wave and a smile. Marlyn was active in the Fertile Fire Department until 1983 and was also a member of the Little Norway Church.
Marlyn is survived by his sons, Mark (Becky) Sandness, Fertile, MN, and Lionel (Theresa) Sandness, Fertile, MN; daughters, Dione Rasmussen, Fertile, MN, and Melissa (Kenneth Jr.) Sargent, Ada, MN; 15 grandchildren, Kasey, Travis, Randy, Jessica, Joshua, Elliona, John, Mike, Meagen, Savannah, Nick, Jeramie, Amber, Jessie, and Bethany; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.
Marlyn is preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Minnie Sandness; wife, Judy Sandness, and son-in-law, Dean Rasmussen.
Funeral: 2:00 PM Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and with a limited attendance of 100. All must wear a mask to attend. The service will be recorded on the United in Christ Parish YouTube channel.
Visitation: A walk-through visitation will take place at 12:00 PM and continue until the time of the service.
Interment with full military rites: Little Norway Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN
