Funeral services for Marvin Pleinis age 81 of McLaughlin will be 11:00 AM MT Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLaughlin. Interment will be in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be 5:00 Pm to 7:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 2017 with a prayer service at 7 PM CT at Kesling Funeral Home. Marvin Lester Pleinis went to be the Lord on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Mobridge Regional Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Marvin was born February 20, 1936 to John and Anna (Hertel) Pleinis at the family home northeast of McLaughlin, SD. He was the fourth child of 13, and the oldest son. He attended Little Hertel School until the 8th grade when he dropped out to help his dad run the farm. They worked the fields with teams of horses until they were able to purchase a tractor. He learned at an early age the value of hard work and was known for this characteristic all his life. Marvin entered the Army in November 1957 and was honorably discharged in August 1959. He returned to the farm, He had become a pilot and enjoyed flying around the area until sometime in the early 80's. Marvin, as the drummer, played at many dances along with his brothers as the West River Wranglers. It was at these dances that he got to know his future wife.
On January 7, 1968, Marvin married Janet Duxbury who was a teacher at the McLaughlin school. They worked the farm together until the time of his passing. To this union four children were born. Dawn, Cindy, Justin and Brian enjoyed many memories of farm life, and were instructed in hard work and a job well done. They also inherited his sense of humor and musical talent. Marvin always tried to take care of his land the best he could, and made it an organic farm for many years. He took his family to church every Sunday where he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a council member of Redeemer Lutheran Church most of the years of his membership there. He enjoyed being a part of the bowling league and competed at the state level. He also was on the FSA board, and a long-time member of the Moose Lodge.
Marvin is best remembered by many as having a contented spirit even in the midst of trials. He could be knee deep in breakdowns, but still had a joking smile on his face. He was also known for his honesty and believed that a handshake was all you needed to seal a deal. He was regarded by his neighbors as dependable, dropping everything to fight fires or help when trouble arose. He was known to be the kind of man to give the shirt off his back to one in need. He was very mechanical and creative and often made his own tools or parts if he couldn't find what he needed. He taught his children with patience and diligence. The music he and his family provided over the years will be remembered for decades.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Janet, children; Dawn Robinson of McLaughlin, Cindy (Jason) Kipp of Sundance, WY, Justin (Cheryl) Pleinis of Bismarck, ND, Brian (Beverly) Pleinis of Kennesaw, GA, and 7 grandchildren, siblings Vivian Dietrich, Eunice Schulz, Margaret Kirschenmann, Colleen McGary, Harlan (Geneva) Pleinis, Roland (Evie) Pleinis, June (Earl) Martell, Sharon (Brian) Beeson, Larry (Sis) Pleinis and Diana Cooley, numerous nephews and nieces.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Myren, sister, Fernetta Adams, brothers-in-law, Reinhold (Reiny) Adams, William (Willie) Dietrich, Jerry Schulz, and Ron Cooley.