Charles "Buzz" Marvin

A livestream of Buzz’s Mass will be viewable below on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM:

Charles “Buzz” Calvin Marvin lived a full and good life. His eternal life began on January 14, 2023 after a life focused on family, friends, faith, and prayer. He taught us all how to live through glioblastoma with courage, determination, and grace.

Buzz was born on Staten Island in New York on January 19, 1946 to Tut and Mary (Pate) Marvin. He grew up in Warroad, MN, where he attended school and graduated in 1964. While in high school, he participated on the football, hockey, and baseball teams for the Warriors and at a very young age, fell in love with hunting and fishing.

His first job landed him at his Uncle Cal’s resort as a dock boy. This made a lasting impact on who he would become, cultivating his love for guiding others through fishing and later on, hunting. It was here he learned how to build relationships, something he took great pride in his entire life. He also held a job at Marvin Windows and Doors, starting in the plant throughout his high school years. This position provided him with the opportunity to learn about the family business and the work ethic expected from his Grandfather George.

He attended college at the University of Minnesota and Bemidji State University, where he earned his Business Management Degree in 1969. He was a member of the OTE fraternity, played hockey, and continued to enjoy his love of the outdoors during these years.

Buzz first met his wife, Kaye Dorn, when they were toddlers, playing in the front lawn of his parents’ home in Warroad. Through the years, the Marvin and Dorn families forged a lasting friendship that would continue to bring Buzz and Kaye together. Their love story unfolded and grew as they did.

Buzz and Kaye attended college at Bemidji State and began their married life together on September 14, 1968. They moved to Thief River Falls, where Buzz began a career in business with his father-in-law and brother-in-law at Tony Dorn, Inc.

While in Thief River Falls, Buzz was active as a volunteer firefighter, youth baseball coach, and high school hockey referee. His many years of refereeing earned him the privilege of officiating the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament in St. Paul. He continued to hunt and fish in Northern Minnesota, the Dakotas, and throughout Canada, and his passion for hunting adventures only deepened.

Buzz and Kaye had two daughters, Kelly (Marvin) Biondi and Jamie (Marvin) Mattern. His example of what it meant to be a husband and father will forever be remembered.

Upon his father’s retirement from the family’s window business, Buzz returned to Marvin Windows and Doors in 1983. He began his work at Marvin Lumber and Cedar Co. and later moved into the corporate office, where he helped oversee the development and successful addition of Marvin Wood Products in Baker, Oregon. He was the President of this company for ten years and also served on the Board of Directors for Marvin Windows and Doors. He valued the family heritage his Grandfather George created, a strong work ethic, and loved his employees as his friends.

During his time in Warroad, Buzz took every advantage to hunt and fish. He and Kaye purchased Bear Island on Lake of the Woods, Ontario and spent their summers on the island, where Buzz was in his element. They created an oasis for anyone that visited and a sanctuary for their family to enjoy.

They also spent their falls and early winters at the Cabin in the Woods, where Buzz created a legacy for his grandchildren, passing down his love of the woods and the thrill of the hunt. It was here he enjoyed family time with his brothers, nieces and nephews, and the traditions the land afforded them. These were his happy places, where he found true joy, spent time with family, and felt surrounded by the peace of nature.

Buzz also served as a volunteer firefighter in Warroad, amassing over 20 years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and also shared significant time with Farm Credit Services on their Board of Directors. He was a respected leader and businessman in the region, serving on many boards and committees.

His retirement from Marvin Windows and Doors brought Kaye and him to Fargo, where they began their life as grandparents. He embraced a new career as a consultant with Hosted Hunts, helping hundreds of clients create memories and experiences that embodied more than just a hunt.

Buzz’s golden years were truly spent doing the two things he loved most: hunting and grandparenting. His love of hunting and fishing, which began at an early age, led him on adventures all over the world. He could be found in Nunavut, Washington, New Zealand, Montana, Argentina, Mexico, Newfoundland, Colorado, Antarctica, Ontario, and Quebec to name a few. This passion led him to befriend numerous outfitters and clients, forging more than business connections but genuine relationships. If you were lucky enough to visit with Buzz, he would gladly share a hunting story, advice on gear, or provide the latest and best information in the business. He never expected anything in return; he simply wanted everyone to experience the love that hunting gave him.

His role as a grandparent changed his life and soon, he could be found planning his hunts around his grandchildren’s activities. He and Kaye were loved and known for “never missing an event” in both the Hermantown and Fargo communities. He became a #1 fan of the Hawks, Deacons, Angels, Bulldogs, and Cobbers. Buzz was instrumental in the creation of the Shanley Trap Shooting Team and volunteered his time coaching.

His grandchildren became his new trophies to tell stories about and share adventures with. To him, there was nothing better than sharing these moments with Kaye.

Buzz was an authentic and genuine man, and he lived his life with passion, no matter what he did. He was a prankster, jokester, and lover of life. He taught us all how we can live a life well lived too.

Surviving Buzz is his wife of 54 years, Kaye, and their two children, Kelly (Joe) Biondi and Jamie (Troy) Mattern. Along with his seven grandchildren: Blake, Kellyn, and Lauryn Biondi and Lydia, Cooper, Jax, and Ily Mattern. Brothers Scott (Lynda) Marvin and Conway (Mary) Marvin and sisters Mary Lynn (David) Bachand and Cathy Sweeney. Brother-in-law Tony (Connie) Dorn Jr. and sister-in-law Lynn Dorn. He was deeply respected and loved dearly by his 13 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Buzz was preceded in death by his parents, Randolph (Tut) and Mary (Pate) Marvin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Heather’s House, care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. This house, which is currently under construction, will be the first Hospice House in the state of North Dakota.

Buzz’s family would be honored to hear your favorite stories of Buzz, please email these to BuzzMarvinStories@gmail.com

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 9:30AM – 10:30 AM, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held following visitation on Wednesday, also at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church. Burial to be held at a later date at St. Bernard Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.