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.
Arrangements made with Bilden-Askew Funeral Home, Northwood, ND.