Marvin Le Roy Koenig, 87, of Sandy, Utah and formerly of Fessenden, ND passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Sunrise Senior Living in Sandy, Utah. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, November 14, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Carrington, ND with Pastor Keith Hurlbut officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden. Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Fessenden, following the reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hillside Cemetery.
Everyone is invited to stream the service on the Calvary Baptist Church YouTube Page.
Marvin Le Roy Koenig was born to Edward and Lorene (Keller) Koenig on August 26, 1938, in Wells County North Dakota. He was one of two children. Marvin was raised in Fessenden, North Dakota, and graduated from Fessenden High School. Marvin married Jean Ann Hendrickson on January 27, 1961, in New Rockford, North Dakota. Through this union, four children were born. The couple’s farmstead was in the Fessenden, North Dakota area. Marvin lived on and farmed the Koenig family farm until 2021. Since dad’s retirement, he has lived in Lakeville, MN, Burnsville, MN, and Sandy, UT.
His passion from a young age was farming. He took over the family farm when his father semi-retired. He raised beef cattle, horses, and chickens. He even tried to raise Texas Longhorns, but found they were not good mothers and ended that adventure. He was also a truck driver. Even as his health was declining, his pastime was watching RFD TV and discussing what he was learning about farming.
Dad and the boys could fix just about anything with an engine. Combines and tractors were often torn apart, parts scattered everywhere, only to be put back together and running again in no time. Jean Ann and Lori could tell them the car was making a noise, and they’d get to work — and somehow, like a miracle, the noise would be gone. The mechanical skills gained by the boys were carried over into successful careers at Polaris Industries, Delta Airlines, and the United States Department of Defense. Dad’s strong work ethic was passed on to all of his children. Lori also reaped the benefits, earning her MBA with an emphasis in Human Resource Management, and now serves as the Human Resources Manager for Rhodes Bake-N-Serv.
While you would rarely see Marvin away from his farming duties, there were a few things that could draw him away. Family get-togethers and shopping for farm equipment or a new vehicle. The annual making homemade sausage days. Grandpa and Grandma Koenig, Marvin and Jean Ann, Doris, and the kids all helped. Grandpa Koenig had the process and recipe down to a science. Best homemade sausage ever! At Christmas, Marvin made popcorn balls and Spritz cookies. Marvin made the best popcorn with lots of butter for family TV nights. Snowmobiling and pulling his children on the car hood sled he made. Snowmobiling and 3- or 4-wheeling were enjoyed even with his grandchildren. Marvin loved the fair, and as a family, we attended many fair events. He would go on rides with his kids. The faster and more exciting the ride, the better. He enjoyed visiting with friends and walking through the animal barns. He rarely missed his children’s sports events, concerts (even college events), science fairs, etc.
Sundays and holidays were reserved for church and worship, community events, and family get-togethers. While Marvin could no longer attend church services due to health concerns, he loved the Lord and enjoyed listening to shows like the Gaither Gospel Hour. We would see him tapping his toes, quietly singing along, or sitting with his eyes closed and a smile on his face.
When Jean Ann got sick, Marvin took care of her. When she moved to memory care in New Rockford, he spent time with her there every day.
Marvin and Merry Aakre Lloyd enjoyed each other’s company during dad’s retirement. As Marvin’s health declined, Merry provided care and support, for which his children are grateful. In August of 2025, Marvin moved to Sandy, Utah, for additional care and to be closer to family.
Dad and his sister, Doris, had a very special bond. They loved each other dearly. The last few months in Utah, Dad enjoyed Doris’s letters. He would read every word several times, sometimes aloud to Lori and Kevin. The last 2 weeks of his life, Marvin called Lori, Doris. Caregivers would look around, wondering who he was talking to. Lori said, “He is talking to me. Doris is his sister. He loves her dearly.” Lori was honored.
Marvin passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 5th, 2025, at Sunrise Senior Living in Sandy, Utah. Marvin was 87 years old.
Marvin is survived by his three sons, Todd (Connie), Roseau, MN; Mark (Jodi), Fayetteville, GA; and Paul, Oklahoma City, OK; and one daughter, Lori (Koenig) Maddock (Kevin), Sandy, UT. Six grandchildren: Brittany (Koenig) Sharp (Jordan), Michael Koenig, Jared Koenig (Kristy), Mathew Koenig (Brooke), Kayla Maddock, and Jessica (Maddock) Adams (Andrew). Nine great-grandchildren: Carter (Brittany and Jordan), Westin and Sawyer (Jared & Kristy), Greyson and Theo (Jessica & Andrew), and Adley, Perrin, Rory, and Wyatt (Mathew & Brooke); Marvin is survived by his beloved sister, Doris (Koenig) Leik.
Marvin was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Ann Koenig; his parents; in-laws, Ernest and Lois (Wiseman), and step-in-law, Samuel Prentice; sisters-in-law, Harriet (Hendrickson) Van Lith and Marlys Hendrickson; and brothers-in-law, Peter Van Lith and Kim Leik.
The family wishes to express loving gratitude to all those who have assisted with the caregiving, love, and support that Marvin Koenig received, including family, friends, and the staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Sandy, UT, and at Regent in Burnsville, MN.
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