Marvin Zablotney

Garrison

It is with deep sorrow and a steadfast faith in Christ that we announce the passing of Marvin Zablotney, age 82, on March 3, 2025, in the Garrison hospital.

Marvin was born in Minot ND on March 14, 1942, to Frank and Elsie (Oneshenko) Zablotney.

Marvin enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in 1964-1970 and then re-enlisted from 1973-1975. He proudly served his country with the 164th Engineer Battalion out of Minot for both tours.

Marvin lived a full and rich life filled with love, music, and cherished memories. Marvin made many accomplishments throughout his life. Growing up with his brothers on the family farm.

They shared countless memories shaping the man he became, teaching him the values of hard work, loyalty, and love. He graduated from Makoti High School in 1961.

Marvin later married Viola “Vi” Molerud, December 5th, 1969. Together they raised three children. Marvin was a proud father. He was a man of many passions, with music being the heart of it all. He started his band, “Marv and the Country Travelers” in 1964, earning him a Nashville record in 1978 and remains a fond memory for those who loved his music.

He was an ardent Elvis Presley fan and even performed as an Elvis impersonator, delighting audiences with his renditions of the King’s classic hits. Aside from music, Marvin worked as a blade operator for the City of Minot for 33 years. Vi and Marvin both retired in 1999.

In his free time, Marvin loved to fish – rain or shine, you could always find him on the water, rod in hand. Whether it was with his family, brothers, friends or just by himself, he was at most peace on the water.

He also volunteered with the Camp of the Cross in Garrison for the last 18 years taking young children out and teaching them to catch that big one and sharing his passion with them. With his wife’s shared green thumb, you could also find him tending to his garden with great care and patience, which reflected the caring kind of man he was. His family and friends will remember him not only for his musical talents and love of nature but for the warm, joyful spirit he brought into every room.

Marvin was a cherished brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many. He offered laughter, wisdom, and joy wherever he went. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Viola of 55 years, children; Jason Zablotney and Chastity (Maurice) Askvig; brothers, Edwin (Bernadyne) Zablotney, Arnie (Helen) Zablotney and Richard Zablotney; grandchildren, Sienna Charbonneaux, Sterling Zablotney, Alivia and Kierstyn Zablotney, Tristan (Jewel) Thompson, Siri (Ty) Van Horn, Reidun and Cimarron Askvig; great-grandchildren, Wayne Van Horn and Tahleigha Stevens; along with a host of extended family and friends.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene Zablotney; and son, Gerhardt “Gaye” Zablotney.

Funeral: Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11a.m. at Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND. Burial will take place at 2 p.m.

Visitation: Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 7, 2025.