Marlin Balstad

February 19, 1943 — May 6, 2024

Marlin Balstad, of Hatton, ND, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND at the age of 81 years, 2 months and 17 days. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Marlin Ray Balstad was born on February 19, 1943, in Northwood, North Dakota to Martin and Ellen (Lykken) Balstad. He was the big brother to four younger sisters. He attended Portland school for half a year and then completed his education in Hatton in 1961. Marlin was baptized and confirmed at Zoar Free Lutheran church in Hatton. He met the love of his life in 1962 and they were married on February 18, 1967 and to this marriage brought two loving sons, Bryan and Brent.

Marlin served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1966. He started out as an aircraft mechanic and was later a helicopter gunner. When he returned home, he worked at the Hatton Co-op Oil and Hatton Farmers Elevator. After retirement, he worked for Farmers Merchants Bank and helped his nephew on the farm. Marlin had a passion for cars, softball, and playing cards. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he was a friend to many!

He is survived by his wife, Diane Balstad; sons, Bryan (Lynn) Balstad and Brent (Angie) Balstad; grandchildren: Adam (Colbie) Balstad, Kayla (Spencer) Barnum, Corinn (Nathan) Shaw, Courtney (Edwin) Rios Alvarez, and Brady (Shelby) Balstad; great-grandchildren: Brooks, Teale, and Branch Balstad, Elsie, Vera, and baby Shaw, Maycee, Kayleigh, Gunnar, and Sawyer Kershaw, Sienna Rios Alvarez, and Brixton Balstad; sisters: Loretta (John) Sherva, Linda (Denny) Gabriel, and Julie McNea; brother-in-law’s, Darold Mattern and Tom Groven; sister-in-law, Rose Siegel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ellen Balstad; sister, Sue Mattern; mother and father-in-law, Theodore and Alma Groven; brother and sisters-in-law’s, Jerry Zimprich, Terry McNea, Robert Groven, Marlan Groven, Eddy and Dorothy Oberlander; and nephew, Kevin Sherva.

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