Marvin Sylvester Ward

Marvin S. Ward, age 96 of Perham, MN, passed peacefully in his sleep Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Like Mother, Like Daughter Care Home in Perham.

He was born on a farm just outside Bluffton, Minnesota, and the oldest of five children. He was the son of Sylvester and Myrtle (Brown) Ward. He grew up in the Wadena area where he attended elementary school, then high school at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, MN.

After graduating, he was drafted into the US Army to serve during the Korean War. While there, he corresponded with his childhood friend, Donna Arvig, and after returning home, they married on June 8, 1954. They moved to Berrien Springs, Michigan where he attended Andrews University, earning a degree in business. He worked for Social Security in Detroit and retired in 1984. Then they moved back to Perham where he worked for Arvig Communications in construction management, buying and selling cars, and heavy equipment for the company.

A favorite pastime of his was visiting different countries all over the world, going on trips with Maranatha to help with construction projects for underprivileged areas. He was a devoted member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. After his precious wife, Donna died in 2012, he had a new, state of the art, Lodge built and dedicated to her memory at the church camp.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Eugene and his wife Saundra; and his sister, Marjorie.

Surviving Marvin is his son, Bruce and wife Holly Ward; grandchildren, Kirstin, Madeline, Allison, and Carter; sisters, Cleo Forman of Alberta, Canada and Connie Wellman of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Allen Arvig and wife Carmen of Perham; sister-in-law, Janice Theodorson, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Public Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service in Perham, MN. Funeral Services and Interment will be private for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Like Mother, Like Daughter Assisted Living at 826 7th Ave SW, Perham, MN, or the charity of your choosing.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com