Marvin Louis Zak, 87, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Marvin was born on October 11, 1936, in Grand Forks, ND, to Louis and Agnes (Machal) Zak. He spent his entire life on the family farmstead in Tabor Township. From a young age, Marvin farmed alongside his father, and he continued to cherish farming with his wife, Cora, and his son, Marvin Jr., until his passing. He completed his education at a country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Crookston AC College in 1954. Marvin served in the National Guard of Grand Forks for six years. On July 13, 1961, he married Cora Abeld at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Euclid, MN.

Marvin was an active member of his community, serving as a council member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He was the president of the local chinchilla organization during the time he and Cora raised chinchillas. Additionally, he was a board member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association and served on the board of the Carl Ben Eielson Museum, where he oversaw the restoration of the Fokker "Alaskan" plane displayed in Hatton, ND. Marvin and Cora found joy in helping their fellow Christians who wintered in California, dedicating six years to building the Community Lutheran Church of Palm Springs, CA.

Marvin had a passion for farming, collecting antique tractors, flying ultra-light aircraft, and traveling with friends during the winter, particularly to California. He relished the simple pleasures of life: "coffee hour" at church on the first Sunday of the month, watching the crops grow, and seeing children come up for the children's service at church.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cora, of East Grand Forks; his son, Marvin Zak Jr., of East Grand Forks, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Vilma Thompson and Mabel Sirek.

Services: 11:00 AM, Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Tabor, MN.

Visitation: 1 hour before services at the church.

Interment: Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Tabor, MN.

Casket Bearers: Tim Zak, Nicholas Zak, Eric Sirek, Rodney Larson, Dwight Love, Steve Abeld, Eric Larson, Tony Pulkrabek

Honorary Casket Bearers: Ardell Sherry, Ernest Pribula, Alex Sirek, Jeff Sherry, Daniel Sherry, Jerry Larson, Tom Kozel, Mark Holy, Ron Kjemhus

Marvin's family would like to convey their deepest appreciation for all the acts of love and kindness given to them. Your expressions of sympathy will always be remembered.