Marvin E. Wendinger

Long time New Ulm resident and businessman, Marvin (Marv) Edwin Wendinger passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025 at his apartment at Orchard Hill Assisted Living Community, New Ulm, MN.
Mass of Christian burial will be 12 pm on Friday, July 18, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10-12 pm on Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: www.mvfh.org
Marv lived a great life! He was born on Aug 23rd, 1933 in New Ulm to Arthur and Erna (Huelskamp), Wendinger. He grew up on the family farm in West Newton Township within sight of the St George Catholic Church steeple where he served as an altar boy. Marvin attended high school in New Ulm at Holy Trinity High School. It was here he played the tuba, (the only instrument left to choose from), in the marching band.
As a young man, Marvin held many jobs including driving truck for Schlumpberger Gravel, Wallner Gravel, parking cars in a Minneapolis parking ramp, and delivering and selling cars. He also drove cab in New Ulm where he met his lifelong friend Denny Manderfeld. Always interested in automobiles, he then attended Dunwoody Institute in Mpls. Once back in New Ulm he worked in sales at Knopke Motors, Peterson Motors and Carney Auto. After all of this sales experience, in 1963 he ventured out on his own and opened his own business called Downtown Auto Sales located on North Minnesota St, (where the previous Farmers and Merchants Bank was once located). He had transformed a residential house into a car dealership. There he sold new Dodge cars and used Jeeps.
In the late 1960's his business changed in name and products to Marv's Sport Center and the cars and trucks changed to motorcycles, snowmobiles and boats. In 1980, business had increased and Marvin built a large new building on Hwy 14W to continue helping people have fun in the outdoors. He had a love for fishing and boating
In the winter months he loved to race snowmobiles and won countless races He traveled most every winter weekend with his sons to race. During the week he would modify, rebuild and get ready for the next weekend and do a little work in between.
Also during this time, along with two friends, Dale Bushard and Eldon Traulich, he opened Cold Storage of New Ulm with an additional site located on Cty Rd 29, now known as Americold.
Marvin married Constance Olsen from Norseland, Mn in 1955. They met while dancing at the Kato Ballroom. It was a, "mixed marriage", with Marvin coming from the "Holyland", (St George) and being Catholic and Connie having been raised a Holstein Lutheran, (as Marvin used to say) in Norseland. Marvin and Connie were married until her death in 1989.
Marvin and Connie are survived by 3 children, Patricia (Scott) Sparlin, Gregory (Beth) Wendinger of New Ulm, and David (Diane Barnes) Wendinger of Pequot Lakes, MN. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Mathew Sparlin of New Ulm, Christine (Indranil) Das of Lakeville, MN, Thomas Wendinger of St Louis Park, MN, Timothy (Ella) Wendinger of Apple Valley, MN, and Andew Wendinger of Tacoma WA; 3 great grandchildren: Deven, Clara and Dylan Das of Lakeville, MN; brother, Gary Wendinger of New Ulm; brother-in-law, Michael Kuester of New Ulm; and sister-in-law, Mary Olsen of Ontario WI. Marvin is also survived by many great cousins, nieces and nephews.
Marvin married his second wife, Inez Diemert in 1992. They had a love of fishing, traveling and horses. They had many fun filled years wintering in AZ with their horses on a small ranch. Inez passed away in 2019. Marvin is also survived by Inez's children, James and Jenna Silva of Lafayette, Theresa Van Diest, George Krieder, and Edwin Silva.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Arden Olson, St Peter; sister, Darlene Kuester, New Ulm; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Julian and Lavonne Olsen, Norseland, and brother-in-law, Rev James Olsen Ontario, WI.
Marvin was known as a persistent and a very enthusiastic salesperson. He loved the interaction with customers and as a Journal article once said, "Wendinger Likes To Help People Have Fun." Marvin retired in 1990.
Marvin really enjoyed fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family. He was definitely a one-of-a-kind, guy. He will be missed by friends, and family. Blessed be his memory.
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